CAMERON Z77
Albuquerque, NM — October 8, 2009
Event Information
| Date | October 8, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA017 |
| Event ID | 20091016X23155 |
| Location | Albuquerque, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.13750, -106.55611 |
| Airport | Albuquerque Intl Airport |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | CAMERON |
| Model | Z77 |
| Category | BALL |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | MINR |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the balloon during the approach and landing.
Full Narrative
After a morning balloon flight the pilot was making an approach to landing on a golf course. During a descent to tree top level the pilot reported the winds varied from 8 to 17 miles per hour. After descending below the tops of the trees the pilot reported a gust of 17 miles per hour with a “significant wind shift” which moved the balloon laterally toward a line of trees. Just before touchdown the pilot said she “pulled the top” to avoid hitting the trees and “we landed quickly dragging about 5 feet”. As the envelope deflated it snagged a tree causing minor damage to the balloon. The pilot sustained a fractured ankle and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The other occupant was not injured.
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.