HEAD AX8 88B
Montevallo, AL — October 25, 2014
Event Information
| Date | October 25, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA15CA035 |
| Event ID | 20141030X04759 |
| Location | Montevallo, AL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.08500, -86.83916 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | HEAD |
| Model | AX8 88B |
| Category | BALL |
| FAR Part | 091 |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's decision to conduct a landing to a confined area in high wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent injury to a passenger.
Full Narrative
At the conclusion of a sightseeing flight, the pilot was descending the balloon for landing in a field he had partially observed through trees. He reported that the wind speed was between 10-15 knots. As he vented the envelope and the field came into full view, he noted that there was "not much room to land;" estimating the field to be about 60-70 yards in length. The basket touched down hard and was dragged along the ground before coming to rest. The pilot and one passenger were not injured; the second passenger fell during the landing and sustained fractures to both arms. The balloon was not damaged. The pilot stated that the preflight passenger briefing included the proper brace position for landing. The pilot also reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies of the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.