AUSTIN, TX, USA
N9811N
Adams A60S
THE PLT STATED THAT THE WINDS WERE FROM THE SOUTH AT ABOUT 8 KTS AS THE BALLOON WAS BEING INFLATED. AFTER INFLATION WAS COMPLETED, THE WINDS WERE ESTIMATED TO BE GUSTING TO 15 KTS. THE PLT ELECTED TO LAUNCH THE BALLOON THOUGH OBSTACLES & BUILDINGS WERE NEARBY. DRG THE LAUNCH, THE BALLOON COLLIDED WITH A FLAG POLE, A BUILDING & TREES. ONE PSGR WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE COLLISION WITH THE BUILDING. THE BALLOON REMAINED AIRBORNE FOR ABOUT 20 MIN, WHILE THE PLT WAS SELECTING A SUITABLE LANDING SITE.
IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT. THE UNFAVORABLE WIND AND OBSTACLES WERE RELATED FACTORS.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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