Crash location | 35.199722°N, 106.587222°W |
Nearest city | Albuquerque, NM
35.084491°N, 106.651137°W 8.7 miles away |
Tail number | N6061R |
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Accident date | 10 Oct 2012 |
Aircraft type | Lindstrand Balloons 90A |
Additional details: | None |
Prior to the flight, the pilot participated in a weather briefing provided by the event organization. Due to high winds at low level, the balloon launch was postponed for about a hour, then approval to launch was granted by the event. At the conclusion of the flight, the pilot initiated an approach to a standard event landing field. During the approach, the wind was at a higher velocity than expected. The pilot briefed the passenger for a fast drag and hard landing. The balloon landed hard and dragged for about 150 feet. The passenger sustained a fractured arm. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failure with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
The balloon pilot's encounter with higher-than-expected wind velocity, which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.