NTSB Factual Report

On January 10, 2015, about 1410 eastern standard time, a Lindstrand Balloons USA model 120A, N316TB, experienced a hard landing near Peru, Indiana. The pilot, the sole occupant of the balloon, sustained serious injuries. The balloon was not damaged during the hard landing. The balloon was registered to and operated by the commercial pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without an activated flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country endurance flight that departed Ashton Observatory, near Baxter, Iowa, about 0740 central standard time.

The pilot reported that he made a normal landing approach; however, the surface wind velocity was higher than forecast, which required him to use a high-wind landing technique. The pilot stated that he remained in control of the balloon during the hard landing, including being able to properly brace himself before the landing. However, shortly after touchdown, the balloon tipped over onto its side, which was typical for a high-wind landing, and he fell out of the basket after his shoulder came in contact with the ground. The pilot reported that he was able to pull the vent line to fully deflate the envelope after touchdown. Following the hard landing, the pilot was admitted to a hospital where he was diagnosed with and treated for C4 and C5 vertebrae fractures.

At 1358, the automated surface observing system located at Grissom Air Reserve Base (GUS), about 13 miles west of the accident site, reported: wind 230 degrees at 12 knots, a clear sky condition, 10 mile surface visibility, temperature -10 degrees Celsius, dew point -15 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.43 inches-of-mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The hard landing due to a higher-than-forecast surface wind, which resulted in a serious neck injury to the pilot.