Ultramagic N 250
Rio Rancho, NM — October 8, 2018
Event Information
| Date | October 8, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA030 |
| Event ID | 20181019X53051 |
| Location | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.22611, -106.64944 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | Ultramagic |
| Model | N 250 |
| Category | BALL |
| FAR Part | 091 |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 12 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Probable Cause
The balloon tipping over during deflation, which resulted in a passenger injury.
Full Narrative
The balloon pilot reported that, during touchdown, the basket made very light impact, swung around, and stopped. He added that as the balloon deflated, the basket laid over on its side.
While assisting passengers out of the basket, the female passenger told the pilot that she had broken her arm. The pilot reported that, after picking her up from the hospital, she believed that another passenger had possibly fallen on her when the basket laid over.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with 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.