Incident Details
According to the pilot, while aloft, the wind increased to about 10 miles per hour. The pilot then briefed passengers on how to brace for a high-wind landing and possible basket tip-over. The pilot descended to about 3 feet above ground and, once over the target landing area, shut off the fuel tanks and burners and pulled the smart vent (rapid deflation valve). Upon touchdown, the basket bounced once and skidded about 15 to 20 yards before stopping, at which point the basket tipped over on its side.
Pilot Actions
The pilot secured the basket. While passengers were exiting, the ground crew informed the pilot that a passenger had injured her ankle. According to the pilot, the injured passenger did not speak English as her first language, and he was unsure if she braced appropriately for the landing or if she sustained the serious injury while exiting the basket. Another passenger informed the pilot that the injury occurred while the passenger was exiting the basket.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.