Incident Overview
According to the pilot, a wind gust occurred during lift-off. A passenger reported that the balloon moved laterally approximately 50 to 75 yards, striking several obstacles: a fence, a utility line, and a tree. The pilot stated that he continued the takeoff, and the balloon eventually became airborne.
Subsequent Flight and Landing
The pilot noted that winds began increasing, leading him to decide to land. He described the landing as hard, and the force ejected him and one passenger from the gondola. After the pilot was ejected, the balloon lifted off again with four passengers aboard.
Emergency Descent
The passenger stated that the balloon ascended to about 100 feet above ground level when he heard the pilot yelling to pull the valve line, which he did. The passenger said the balloon then descended rapidly and landed hard, with the balloon collapsing onto the gondola.