Background
A balloon pilot with 2,315 hours of flight experience received a detailed weather briefing from the local Flight Service Station before departing with two passengers for a local flight.
Flight and Weather Encounter
Approximately one hour into the flight, the balloon encountered unforecasted wind that began carrying it at a high speed. The pilot made several attempts to land but was unable to find a suitable location until identifying an open field.
Landing and Sequence of Events
During the landing, the basket impacted the ground at a high speed. The pilot and one passenger fell out of the basket upon impact. The balloon continued to drag the basket across the ground with the remaining passenger onboard. The basket then collided with a chain link fence, crossed over a road, and finally became lodged in power lines and electrical poles, where it came to rest.
Aftermath
The balloon and basket came to rest entangled in power lines and poles. The pilot and passengers were present at the scene. No further details about their condition were provided.