Incident Overview
On October 10, 2012, at approximately 0850 mountain daylight time, an Aerostar International Inc. RX 8 balloon (registration N90550) experienced a high-wind landing and collided with a fence near Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the International Balloon Fiesta 2012. The balloon sustained substantial damage to the basket and envelope. The private pilot was uninjured, and two passengers received minor injuries. The balloon was registered to and operated by an individual under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed.
Flight Details
The balloon departed from the Balloon Fiesta Field (AIBF) near Albuquerque at about 0800. The pilot had attended a mandatory pilot briefing before launching with the first wave of balloons. Approximately 45 minutes after launch, the pilot initiated an approach for landing near the Frito Lay Distribution Center. The pilot encountered winds that were faster than forecast. As the balloon descended from a "quicker" wind layer, it became unresponsive to attempts to level out and land. The pilot aimed to land just south of a fenced area, but the balloon impacted the fence.
Pilot Observations
The pilot reported that a rotor-type wind coming from higher terrain to the east may have affected the balloon. The balloon experienced a "false heavy" condition and became unresponsive, forcing it into the fence. The wind then pushed the balloon further west, hampering the intended landing location.
Environmental Factors
East/west power lines were located near the north side of the Frito Lay Distribution Center. The area south of the fence was a field with no structures for about 300 feet. The southern edge of the field was delineated by an east/west road. Additional buildings were situated south of that road.
Damage and Injuries
The balloon's basket and envelope sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no injuries; two passengers sustained minor injuries.