Aerostar RX-8 N6339G

Summary

On 19 August 2005 at about 13:40 local time, a Aerostar RX-8 registered N6339G, operated by Ronald L. Thompson, was involved in an accident near Denton, Texas, United States. 3 people were on board and one was seriously injured. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 August 2005 at 13:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Denton, Texas, United States

Coordinates

32.2006, -97.1978

Aircraft

Aerostar RX-8

Registration

N6339G

Category

Balloon

Operator

Ronald L. Thompson

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Highland Villag → Denton

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DFW05CA223

1 person was seriously injured.

The passenger's failure to follow landing instructions, which resulted in serious injury. A contributing factor was the high wind.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The 700-hour commercial pilot, with about 400-hours in balloons, was assigned two passengers for a non-revenue media flight. The pilot cautioned the passengers that the winds at landing could be eight to ten miles per hour (mph), and that the landing could be bumpy. He briefed both passengers on landing procedures, reminding them throughout the flight and landing approach to flex their knees, hold on, and stay in the basket. Upon landing the injured passenger immediately stated that she had broken her ankle. The pilot reported the landing impact was "moderate with no rebound." The second passenger reported the landing as "firm, but not violent." After landing the balloon dragged about 125 feet before coming to rest. The pilot reported the winds were from the south-southwest at 9 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.