Accident Overview
On April 1, 2019, at approximately 0757 Pacific daylight time, a Cameron Balloons US A-400 hot air balloon, registration N6954YA, was involved in an accident near Napa, California. The balloon was not damaged. The flight was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a sightseeing flight.
Injuries
The pilot and 18 passengers reported no injuries. One passenger sustained serious injuries, and two passengers sustained minor injuries.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, about 10 minutes after takeoff, while at an altitude of approximately 500 feet, the wind shifted direction and the balloon entered a downdraft. The pilot added heat to compensate for the descent, after which level flight was reestablished. Shortly thereafter, the balloon's basket contacted a power line. The pilot then initiated a slow ascent, and the power line released from the basket. The pilot immediately landed the balloon in a field without further incident.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.