Incident Overview
On August 3, 2012, approximately 2040 central daylight time, an ARBC INC Lindstrand 180A balloon, registration N3013T, operated by Gentle Breezes Balloon Rides LLC of De Forest, Wisconsin, was dragged onto its side by the wind after landing. The balloon carried 7 occupants: a commercial pilot and 6 passengers. The pilot and 5 passengers were not injured; 1 passenger sustained serious injuries.
Flight Details
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local balloon ride. The flight originated about 2020 from Sauk-Prairie Airport (91C) in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, under 14 CFR Part 91.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported initially departing in light wind from the east at about 6 knots. Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes later, as the balloon moved westward, wind increased to about 15 knots. The pilot attempted to descend and maneuver to find more favorable landing conditions but encountered wind shear. He described the terrain as "hilly," which presented landing problems due to wind rotors below hilltops. At about 200 feet AGL, the wind shifted the balloon to a northwest direction at about 15 mph. The pilot descended further seeking lower wind but remained cautious of rotors that could deform the envelope.
The balloon was piloted over an industrial area deemed unsuitable for landing, but the flight was moving toward Sauk airport. Near the airport, a wind shear pushed the envelope in about 30 feet. The pilot briefed passengers before landing. The gondola struck tree tops and tipped. The pilot shut off burners and opened envelope vents to minimize dragging after landing. Upon touchdown, the gondola was dragged onto its side, and one passenger suffered a serious leg injury during the hard landing.
Weather Information
A passenger using a handheld GPS reported a ground speed of 15 mph just prior to touchdown. A weather station (DLL) about 13 miles north of the accident site recorded wind from 160 degrees at 10 knots. The exact wind at the accident site could not be determined. According to FAA records, the pilot obtained a proper weather briefing. The forecast for the flight area called for wind about 7 knots and decreasing, but the wind encountered near the end of the flight was about 15 knots.