Accident Overview
On May 13, 2016, at approximately 0800 central daylight time, a Cameron Balloon US Z-150, registration N6952D, collided with trees and the terrain during a landing in Edmond, Oklahoma. The balloon was operated by OKC Balloons Aloft as a sightseeing flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 and was registered to a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight had originated about 0705.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and four passengers received minor injuries, while one passenger sustained serious injuries. The balloon envelope sustained substantial damage. No other damage items were reported.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported checking the weather before the flight, with winds forecast to be 5 to 8 knots. During the landing approach at an altitude of about 500 feet, the pilot initiated a quick descent to land in a field approximately ¼ mile away. Realizing the descent rate was too fast, he used the burners to slow the descent. At 50 feet above the ground, the pilot stopped using the burners and pulled the quick deflation port. The basket impacted the ground, and the pilot and one passenger were ejected from the basket. The pilot continued to hold the quick deflation port line and was dragged alongside the basket. The balloon then became airborne and ascended to 75 to 100 feet above the ground, with the pilot still holding the line. The balloon traveled across the field until it came to rest after contacting trees.
Mechanical and Operational Information
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight. He also offered a safety recommendation: "Use of a pilot restraint harness so pilot is not ejected." The source provides no further details on weather characterization, ATC involvement, or causal analysis.