Primary finding
Probable cause
The balloon’s encounter with rough terrain, which resulted in a bounced landing and a ground crewmember sustaining serious injuries.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, as the balloon touched down, one of the ground crewmembers jumped into the basket to add his weight. As the balloon was coming to a stop, it encountered some rough terrain hidden by tall grass. The balloon bounced, and the ground crewmember was ejected from the basket and landed on the ground. The pilot added that the balloon "came up off the ground again and over the crew member." The crewmember sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The balloon pilot reported that, as the balloon touched down, one of the ground crew personnel jumped into the basket to add his weight. As the balloon was coming to a stop, it encountered some rough terrain hidden by tall grass. The balloon bounced and the ground crew member was ejected from the basket and landed on the ground. The balloon "came up off the ground again and over the crew member." The crew member suffered serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.