Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain/obtain the proper descent rate.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the landing, the balloon impacted the ground hard and tipped over. Two passengers from one side of the balloon fell on top of two passengers on the other side of the balloon causing serious injury to two passengers.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 11, 2004, at approximately 0700 mountain daylight time, a Lindstrand Balloon 120A, N410LB, piloted by a commercial pilot, landed hard and tipped over near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The scenic flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and two passengers reported no injuries; however, two passengers received serious injuries. The local flight originated at 0620. According to the pilot's report, during the landing, the balloon impacted the ground hard and tipped over. Two passengers from one side of the balloon fell on top of two passengers on the other side of the balloon. One passenger received a fractured rib and the other passenger received a broken ankle.