Primary finding
Probable cause
the passenger losing her balance during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the increased wind velocity.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the flight had been uneventful; however, the winds had increased in velocity. The winds according to the pilot, at the time of landing, were between 8 and 9 knots. During the landing, the ground crew grabbed the basket and assisted it down to the ground. One passenger fell forward during the landing, twisting her ankle and breaking it. No other anomalies were noted.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 29, 2004, at approximately 0810 mountain daylight time, a passenger sustained serious injuries while on board a Cameron Balloons A-210, N4503V. The balloon, piloted by a commercial pilot, was not damaged during landing approximately 7 miles northwest of Albuquerque International Airport, 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 four other passengers reported no injuries. The local flight originated at approximately 0650. According to the pilot, the flight had been uneventful; however, the winds had increased in velocity. The winds according to the pilot, at the time of landing, were between 8 and 9 knots. During the landing, the ground crew grabbed the basket and assisted it down to the ground. The basket did not hit hard, nor did it tip over. One passenger fell forward during the landing, twisting her ankle and breaking it. No other anomalies were noted.