Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's hard landing during a high wind condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot anticipated encountering a light 2 to 4 mph wind during the flight with fare-paying passengers. During the flight the wind speed increased. After flying for 35 minutes, the pilot landed in a 12 mph wind.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 8, 2000, about 0800 hours Pacific daylight time, a Galaxy Balloons, Inc., Galaxy 7, N52233, owned and operated by the pilot, made a hard landing about 5 miles southeast of Inyokern, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the aerial sightseeing flight. The balloon sustained minor damage, and the commercial certificated pilot was seriously injured. One of the fare-paying passengers received a minor injury, and one passenger was not injured. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Inyokern about 0715. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that on takeoff the wind was, as forecast, between 2 and 4 miles per hour (mph). During the flight the wind direction changed, and its speed increased. After about 20 minutes of flight, the pilot attempted to land but aborted the attempt in the prevailing 5 to 6 mph wind. The pilot reported that he then flew for another 15 minutes and landed in a 12 mph wind.