Incident Details
A pilot reported an uneventful flight with ground winds of 1 to 2 miles per hour and winds between 500 and 1,500 feet above ground varying from 5 to 8 miles per hour. The pilot chose a backyard to land. At an altitude of seven to nine feet above the ground, a line was thrown to the chase crew to slow the balloon down. Before reaching the ground, two additional chase crew members grabbed the gondola to further slow the descent and soften the landing.
Passenger Injuries
Upon touchdown, a passenger lost her balance and fell into a 91-year-old passenger, knocking her to the bottom of the gondola. The 91-year-old passenger sustained two broken legs and a broken ankle.
Pre-landing Instructions
The pilot reported that prior to departure, all passengers were instructed to hold on tight, bend their knees, and stay inside the gondola during the landing.