25 May 2009: AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC S-60A

25 May 2009: AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC S-60A (N120RB) — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Albuquerque, NM, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive descent rate.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On May 25, 2009, at approximately 0830 mountain daylight time, an Aerostar International Inc., S-60A balloon, N120RB, piloted by a commercial pilot, landed hard near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The scenic flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and three passengers were not injured; however, the fourth passenger received a broken ankle. The local flight originated about 0715.

In a statement provided to the NTSB, the pilot stated that he had located an area to land the balloon. As the pilot maneuvered the balloon to the area, the wind the pilot was expecting did not materialize, and the pilot picked an alternate site. In order to remain clear of obstacles the pilot "vented" the balloon "and had a hard landing."

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Descent rate — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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