Ultramagic Sa N-300 N27MU

Summary

On 3 October 2023 at about 14:05 local time, a Ultramagic Sa N-300 registered N27MU was involved in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona, United States. 14 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured, 5 had minor injuries. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

3 October 2023 at 14:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

33.7734, -112.1664

Aircraft

Ultramagic Sa N-300

Registration

N27MU

Category

Balloon

Year built

2023

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR24LA006

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

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 descending for a landing with a 5 kt wind from the west, about 20 ft above ground level, the balloon’s groundspeed increased to 12-13 kts. The pilot ascended the balloon due to power lines and when cleared, began the approach to landing in a small field. The pilot verified all passengers were in position for the landing and flared utilizing all 3 burners. Subsequently, the balloon impacted cholla covered desert terrain, bounced, and came to rest on its side about 140 ft from the initial landing area. Two passengers sustaining serious injury.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.