AUSTIN, TX, USA
N9811N
Adams A-60
THE COMMERCIAL BALLOON PILOT RELINQUISHED CONTROL OF THE CROWN LINE TO ONE OF THE FOUR PASSENGERS DURING A HIGH WIND LANDING TO A PASTURE. THE PILOT ACTIVATED THE BURNER JUST PRIOR TO LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE BALLOON CLIMBING TO APPROXIMATELY 60 FEET. THE PASSENGER INADVERTENTLY PULLED THE LINE WHICH RELEASED THE AIR FROM THE ENVELOPE, RESULTING IN A RAPID DESCENT TO A HARD LANDING.
THE BALLOON WAS DEFLATED BY THE PASSENGER WHEN HE PULLED THE CROWN LINE. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS WAS THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT IN RELINQUISHING THE LINE TO THE PASSENGER.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
