2 Apr 2010: FIREFLY AX8B — Steven Kenneth Flanders

2 Apr 2010: FIREFLY AX8B — Steven Kenneth Flanders

No fatalities • Durhamville, NY, United States

Probable cause

The passenger's failure to adequately brace herself for the landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of the balloon stated that at the conclusion of the 1-hour flight, he conducted a "typical" landing to a "level, grassy" golf course fairway. During the landing, one of the passengers "lost [her] footing" in the gondola, fell, and "slid" into the pilot. The pilot then fell onto the passenger, fracturing her ankle. The pilot did not mention if he gave the passengers a prelanding briefing prior to the landing.

Contributing factors

  • cause Passenger

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 140/07kt, vis 10sm

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