Primary finding
Probable cause
the unforecasted increase in wind velocity. A contributing factor was the fence that the basket struck, subsequently spilling the occupants onto the ground.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said this was his second flight of the morning, and the wind was approximately 3 knots. He said that during the flight, the wind increased to approximately 10 knots. During a landing attempt in an open field, the pilot said the basket struck a fence, subsequently spilling the occupants onto the ground. The balloon flew for an additional 8 to 10 minutes before the balloon's basket caught on a second fence. The ground crew retrieved the balloon, which incurred no damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 30, 2002, at approximately 0730 mountain standard time, a Cameron Balloons (U.S.) O-70 balloon, N5303Z, was not damaged during a high wind near Montrose, Colorado. The commercial pilot received minor injuries, and his two passengers received serious injuries when they fell from the basket. The aircraft was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that originated approximately 20 minutes before the accident. The pilot said this was his second flight of the morning, and the wind was approximately 3 knots. He said that during the flight, the wind increased to approximately 10 knots. During a landing attempt in an open field, the pilot said the basket struck a fence, subsequently spilling the occupants onto the ground. The balloon flew for an additional 8 to 10 minutes before the balloon's basket caught on a second fence. The ground crew retrieved the balloon, which incurred no damage.