Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to control the balloon. Contributing factors include the high winds, the attempted remedial action by the pilot, the building, fence, and transmission wires.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he departed with variable winds at 6 knots. At approximately 0710, the wind increased to 22 to 24 knots. Approximately 30 minutes later, the pilot located a landing site and started an approach. During the approach, the balloon increased in speed and descended faster than planned. The pilot stated he "quickly went to two burners" with no result. The balloon failed to clear a fence and the pilot pulled the "red line." The basket impacted the ground, ejecting the passengers and pilot. The pilot was dragged behind the basket until his foot disentangled from the red line. Subsequently, the balloon impacted a "building, a fence, a farm gate and transmission wires." The envelope was ripped open at several locations. According to the aviation routine weather report (METAR) taken at 0747 from Jefferson County Airport, winds were reported as 340 degrees at 20 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 11, 2003, at 0737 mountain daylight time, a National Ballooning LTD 858 balloon, N9011J, was substantially damaged when it struck power lines during a landing near Louisville, Colorado. The commercial pilot was seriously injured, and his two passengers received minor injuries. The flight was being operated by Skyspan Adventures, LLC, under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that had departed an off airport site near Boulder, Colorado, at approximately 0640. No flight plan had been filed. According to the pilot, he departed with variable winds at 6 knots. At approximately 0710, the wind increased to 22 to 24 knots. The pilot located a landing site and started an approach. During the approach, the balloons ground speed increased and it descended faster than planned. The pilot stated he "quickly went to two burners" with no result. The balloon failed to clear a fence and the pilot pulled the "red line." The basket impacted the ground, ejecting the passengers and pilot. The pilot was drug behind the basket until his foot disentangled from the red line. Subsequently, the balloon impacted a "building, a fence, a farm gate and transmission wires." The envelope was ripped open at several locations. According to the aviation routine weather report (METAR) taken at 0747 from Jefferson County Airport, winds were reported as 340 degrees at 20 knots.