Cameron Balloons U S A-315 N317RR

Summary

On 20 December 2021 at about 15:50 local time, a Cameron Balloons U S A-315 registered N317RR, operated by Rainbow Ryders Inc, was involved in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona, United States. 17 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

20 December 2021 at 15:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

33.8007, -112.1432

Aircraft

Cameron Balloons U S A-315

Registration

N317RR

Category

Balloon

Year built

2018

Operator

Rainbow Ryders Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Phoenix → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR22LA066

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot’s inability to maintain balloon control during a high wind landing, which resulted in a serious passenger injury.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the balloon reported that, while maneuvering to land, he was informed via radio that the wind speed had increased during the flight from about 4 mph to about 14 mph. While on final approach to land, he descended the balloon to about 6 ft above the surface to mitigate surface wind and to level off and fly to the clearing where the balloon landed. After touchdown, the basket was drug on the ground about 20 ft until the balloon came to a complete stop and the envelope deflated. The balloon was not damaged; however, a passenger was seriously injured with a fractured ankle. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.