On November 30, 2002, a Cameron Balloons O-70 (registration N5303Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Montrose, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the unforecasted increase in wind velocity. A contributing factor was the fence that the basket struck, subsequently spilling the occupants onto the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing attempt in an open field, a balloon's basket struck a fence, spilling occupants to the ground. The balloon continued for 8-10 minutes before catching a second fence; no damage reported.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that this was his second flight of the morning. The wind was approximately 3 knots at the start of the flight but increased to about 10 knots during the flight.
Sequence of Events
During a landing attempt in an open field, the basket of the balloon struck a fence. The impact caused the occupants to spill onto the ground. The balloon then flew for an additional 8 to 10 minutes before the basket caught on a second fence. After this, the ground crew retrieved the balloon.
Outcome
No damage was incurred by the balloon. The incident involved two fence strikes and the spilling of occupants, but no further details on injuries or damage are provided.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Nov 2002 Cameron Balloons O-70 accident near Montrose, CO?
During a landing attempt in an open field, a balloon's basket struck a fence, spilling occupants to the ground. The balloon continued for 8-10 minutes before catching a second fence; no damage reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 Nov 2002 Cameron Balloons O-70 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Nov 2002 involved a Cameron Balloons O-70, registration N5303Z, at Montrose, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the unforecasted increase in wind velocity. A contributing factor was the fence that the basket struck, subsequently spilling the occupants onto the ground.
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