Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inability to maintain a proper descent rate due to the high winds, resulting in a hard landing. A contributing factor was the high wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot and the passengers, the flight was uneventful. The pilot stated that he elected to perform a "high wind landing." The basket tipped over during the landing and the passenger stated that she lost her balance, resulting in serious injury to her ankle. There was no damage to the balloon and no further injuries reported by the pilot or remaining passenger. The pilot reported the winds as 010 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot reported no anomalies with the balloon's systems.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot and passengers, the flight was uneventful. The pilot stated that he elected to perform a "high wind landing." The basket tipped over during the landing and the passenger stated that she lost her balance, resulting in serious injury to her ankle. There was no damage to the balloon and no further injuries reported by the pilot or the other passenger. The pilot reported the winds as 010 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot reported no anomalies with the balloon's systems.