Primary finding
Probable cause
The inadequate touchdown by the pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
A passenger was seriously injured during a hard landing in a balloon ride . The pilot released a line to his chase crew, who were unsuccessful in slowing the balloon down. The pilot then climbed to clear obstacles and deployed the parachute top vent to descend onto a baseball field. The pilot deployed the aero chute vent during flare. The balloon bounced three to four times before stopping.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 2, 2003, at 2007 central daylight time, an Aerostar S-77A, N52461, operated by Wiederkehr Balloon International, Inc., experienced a hard landing after a steep approach to a field near Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and seven passengers reported no injuries, and one passenger reported serious injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 balloon ride flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight departed about 1900. The pilot reported that he attempted to land in a hay field. A line was dropped to the chase crew, who were unsuccessful in slowing the balloon down. The crew released the line allowing the balloon to climb over obstacles. The pilot stated he deployed the parachute top vent to descend onto a baseball field. He deployed the aero chute vent to flare the balloon before touching down. The balloon bounced "three or four times" before coming to a stop in the upright position. A passenger sustained a broken rib. The ride balloon was undamaged.