Incident Overview
On July 14, 2017, at approximately 1930 central daylight time, a Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15 balloon, registration N3282P, unexpectedly ascended after landing near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The commercial sightseeing flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed for the local flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the flight had been successful and all three passengers had exited the gondola. They were assisting the pilot in securing the balloon by holding on to the maneuvering handles when the balloon began to ascend. The pilot directed everyone to let go, but one passenger continued holding the maneuvering handles. As the gondola rose, the passenger was carried approximately 30 feet into the air before releasing and falling to the ground.
Injuries and Outcome
The commercial pilot was not injured. One passenger sustained serious injuries from the fall. The pilot regained control of the balloon and subsequently landed without further incident.
Aircraft and Operator
The balloon involved was a Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15, serial number not specified, with registration N3282P. The operator conducted the flight as a commercial sightseeing operation under Part 91 regulations. The weather at the time was visual meteorological conditions.