CAMERON BALLOONS US V-90
La Junta, CO — January 31, 2009
Event Information
| Date | January 31, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA159 |
| Event ID | 20090209X52219 |
| Location | La Junta, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.94333, -103.51361 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | CAMERON BALLOONS US |
| Model | V-90 |
| Category | BALL |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | MINR |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a safe rate of descent during landing. Contributing to the accident was the strong surface winds.
Full Narrative
While landing a hot air balloon, the pilot encountered surface winds estimated at 22 mph and gusting to 28 mph. At 20 to 25 feet above ground level, the pilot shut off the burner and prepared for the landing. The hot air balloon descended 400 to 450 feet per minute, impacted hard on downward sloping terrain, and was dragged approximately 360 feet by the wind before coming to rest. The pilot suffered two broken ankles. There were no reported pre-impact anomalies.
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.