On 8 Oct 2009, a CAMERON Z77 was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the balloon during the approach and landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
During a morning balloon flight, the pilot attempted to land on a golf course. After descending below treetops, a wind shift moved the balloon toward trees. The envelope snagged a tree, causing minor damage. The pilot sustained a fractured ankle and one passenger minor injuries.
Flight and Approach
The pilot was conducting a morning balloon flight and began an approach to land on a golf course. As the balloon descended to treetop level, the pilot noted that wind speeds varied between 8 and 17 miles per hour. After the balloon dropped below the tree tops, a gust of 17 miles per hour occurred accompanied by a significant wind shift. This shift moved the balloon laterally toward a line of trees.
Landing and Incident
Just prior to touchdown, the pilot reported that she pulled the top of the envelope to avoid colliding with the trees. The balloon landed quickly and dragged approximately 5 feet. As the envelope deflated, it became snagged on a tree, resulting in minor damage to the balloon.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained a fractured ankle. One passenger suffered minor injuries. The other occupant aboard the balloon was not injured. The balloon itself sustained minor damage from snagging on the tree.
Contributing factors
Causes
Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot