Cameron Balloons Us C-80 N4022X

Summary

On 3 May 2026 at about 14:15 local time, a Cameron Balloons Us C-80 registered N4022X was involved in an accident near Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States. 2 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

3 May 2026 at 14:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States

Coordinates

35.2628, -106.7234

Aircraft

Cameron Balloons Us C-80

Registration

N4022X

Category

Balloon

Year built

1996

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Rio Rancho → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR26LA176

1 person was seriously injured.

The passenger’s improper hand placement on the basket upright during landing, which resulted in injury when the upright fractured during the basket’s bounce and drag sequence.

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 he and the passenger, who had recently purchased the balloon, were conducting a local flight. Before departure, he briefed the passenger on proper landing posture and hand placement down low and not on the uprights. The takeoff and enroute phase of the flight were unremarkable. While on final approach to land, the pilot conducted a steep approach and demonstrated ground-tracking maneuvers before the final touchdown. During touchdown, the basket bounced and was dragged across the ground. The passenger was holding onto a basket upright during one of the bounces. Subsequently, the upright fractured and the passenger sustained a serious injury. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.