Arbc Inc Dba Lindstrand 260A N605KD

Summary

On 27 September 2024 at about 13:45 local time, a Arbc Inc Dba Lindstrand 260A registered N605KD, operated by Flying Circus Inc, was involved in an accident near Custer, South Dakota, United States. 5 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

27 September 2024 at 13:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Custer, South Dakota, United States

Coordinates

43.7333, -103.6333

Aircraft

Arbc Inc Dba Lindstrand 260A

Registration

N605KD

Category

Balloon

Year built

2022

Operator

Flying Circus Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Custer → Custer

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN24LA369

1 person was seriously injured.

The balloon landing in increased wind, which resulted in a hard landing and the serious injury of a passenger.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while aligning the balloon for the landing, he became aware of increasing wind speed. He briefed the passengers for a slightly faster landing and continued the approach. The pilot stated that he made the approach to the field at 6 knots and the ground crew were able to assist in slowing down the balloon during the landing. The basket briefly touched down and bounced twice before coming to rest. During the landing a passenger sustained a serious injury. The pilot stated that the injury was a result of another passenger crushing her against the wicker partition. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.