FIREFLY AX8B
Durhamville, NY — April 2, 2010
Event Information
| Date | April 2, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA10CA211 |
| Event ID | 20100406X02650 |
| Location | Durhamville, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.12500, -75.65722 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | FIREFLY |
| Model | AX8B |
| 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 passenger's failure to adequately brace herself for the landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the balloon stated that at the conclusion of the 1-hour flight, he conducted a "typical" landing to a "level, grassy" golf course fairway. During the landing, one of the passengers "lost [her] footing" in the gondola, fell, and "slid" into the pilot. The pilot then fell onto the passenger, fracturing her ankle. The pilot did not mention if he gave the passengers a prelanding briefing prior to the landing.
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.