Linstrand 240A N2646Z

Summary

On 14 April 2014 at about 15:20 local time, a Linstrand 240A registered N2646Z, operated by Arizona Balloon Works, was involved in an accident near Mayer, Arizona, United States. 10 people were on board and 3 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 April 2014 at 15:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Mayer, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

34.3402, -112.0310

Aircraft

Linstrand 240A

Registration

N2646Z

Category

Balloon

Operator

Arizona Balloon Works

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Cottonwood → Camp Verde

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR14CA168

3 people had minor injuries.

The balloon's encounter with unexpected increased wind, which resulted in a hard landing on rough terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he checked the weather in the early morning, which prepared him for light wind conditions. After inflation of the balloon, he performed a safety briefing for the passengers and departed shortly thereafter. When the balloon was en route, the ground crew advised the pilot of the high wind conditions. The pilot stated that he was not able to operate in his usual area and therefore had to maneuver the balloon over inhospitable terrain in conditions that did not allow for an immediate landing. The pilot gave the passengers a landing briefing relaying the information that an unexpected increase in surface wind speed prohibited them from landing in the areas that were originally intended. The pilot felt he had limited options suitable for landing and with canyons approaching, he opted to touchdown in an area of rough, volcanic rock. During landing, the basket was strewn across the rough rocky terrain and sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.