Accident Details
On January 23, 2021, at about 0908 mountain standard time, a hot air balloon operated by ARBC Inc dba Lindstrand 77A (registration N477LB) was involved in an accident near Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The passenger sustained fatal injuries following a hard landing. The pilot was not injured, and the balloon was not damaged. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Sequence of Events
Before the accident flight, the pilot performed three takeoffs and landings for currency. The passenger then boarded and received a preflight briefing. The flight was uneventful until the landing approach. The pilot briefed the passenger to secure himself low in the basket and hold on in two places. The terrain consisted of ravines, gullies, bushes, and rocks. During the descent, the pilot intentionally aimed for a bush to reduce ground speed. The balloon brushed the vegetation, continued descending, and landed hard.
After the hard landing, the balloon became airborne again and turned, with the basket at a slight angle. At that point, the passenger slid out the side of the basket from about 5 ft above ground level. The pilot then landed the balloon uneventfully and was met by the passenger shortly after securing the balloon.
Injuries and Investigation
The pilot and passenger hiked across a ravine to a nearby ridge, where the pilot contacted her crew with the balloon's location. The passenger was alert but wanted to sit and rest. Approximately one hour after the hard landing, 911 was called. Emergency personnel attended to the passenger, who was transported to a hospital and later succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident.
The Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque, New Mexico, performed an autopsy. The cause of death was blunt pelvic trauma.