Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA19CA314

Sedona, AZ, USA

Aircraft #1

N3004S

Cameron A-275

Analysis

The pilot reported that, as the balloon touched down, one of the ground crewmembers jumped into the basket to add his weight. As the balloon was coming to a stop, it encountered some rough terrain hidden by tall grass. The balloon bounced, and the ground crewmember was ejected from the basket and landed on the ground. The pilot added that the balloon "came up off the ground again and over the crew member." The crewmember sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The balloon pilot reported that, as the balloon touched down, one of the ground crew personnel jumped into the basket to add his weight. As the balloon was coming to a stop, it encountered some rough terrain hidden by tall grass. The balloon bounced and the ground crew member was ejected from the basket and landed on the ground. The balloon "came up off the ground again and over the crew member." The crew member suffered serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The balloon’s encounter with rough terrain, which resulted in a bounced landing and a ground crewmember sustaining serious injuries.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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