Lindstrand 80E N80029

Summary

On 12 October 2024 at about 14:15 local time, a Lindstrand 80E registered N80029 was involved in an accident near Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. 3 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 October 2024 at 14:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Coordinates

35.1187, -106.6460

Aircraft

Lindstrand 80E

Registration

N80029

Category

Balloon

Year built

2022

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR25LA016

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s loss of control during landing, which resulted in the balloon’s envelope contacting powerlines.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was attempting to land a hot air balloon in a field, when the wind shifted. Upon touchdown, one of the passengers exited without the pilot’s instruction to do so. As a result of the passenger exiting, the balloon suddenly climbed about 15-20 ft. Subsequently, as the balloon was descending to the ground, the pilot vented out the remaining air from the envelope, which then contacted the ground and a powerline. A spark was observed at the powerline and a small fire ensued, which resulted in substantial damage to the envelope. The pilot reported that the balloon had no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot further stated that a preflight passenger briefing was conducted prior to the flight, which directed passengers to remain in the basket until the pilot gives permission to exit.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.