Cameron A 210
Hume, NY — August 2, 2019
Event Information
| Date | August 2, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA484 |
| Event ID | 20190804X03438 |
| Location | Hume, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.47583, -78.13722 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | Cameron |
| Model | A 210 |
| Category | BALL |
| FAR Part | 091 |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 8 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and a serious passenger injury.
Full Narrative
The balloon pilot reported that, after encountering a thermal en route, he decided to land the balloon in a hayfield surrounded by a wooded area. The balloon was "driven down into the tree branches" and, when over the hayfield, the balloon descended and bounced hard. The balloon bounced about 10 ft as he deflated the envelope. The balloon landed hard once more and deflated. One passenger received serious injuries.
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.