Lindstrand Balloons 90A N6061R

Summary

On 10 October 2012 at about 14:55 local time, a Lindstrand Balloons 90A registered N6061R was involved in an accident near Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. 2 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

10 October 2012 at 14:55

Classification

Accident

Location

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Coordinates

35.1997, -106.5872

Aircraft

Lindstrand Balloons 90A

Registration

N6061R

Category

Balloon

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Albuquerque → Albuquerque

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN13CA035

1 person was seriously injured.

The balloon pilot's encounter with higher-than-expected wind velocity, which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Before the flight, the pilot participated in a weather briefing provided by the event organization. Due to high wind velocities at low level, the balloon launch was postponed for about 1 hour and then approval to launch was granted by event personnel. At the conclusion of the flight, the pilot initiated an approach to a standard event landing field. During the approach, the wind was at a higher velocity than expected. The pilot briefed the passenger for a fast drag and hard landing. The balloon landed hard and dragged for about 150 feet. The passenger sustained a fractured arm. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failure with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.