Paraglider Crash in Puente Alto Injures Pilot and Passenger
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
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AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL S53A accident at Albuquerque, NM, 7 Oct 2022
On October 7, 2022, an AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL S53A operated by Steven C. Derebey was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s inability to find a suitable landing area in a critical fuel situation and his decision to land on a highway, which resulted in the balloon impacting a bridge railing and terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot’s inability to find a suitable landing area in a critical fuel situation and his decision to land on a highway, which resulted in the balloon impacting a bridge railing and terrain.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotFluid levelContributed to outcome
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Oct 2022 AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL S53A accident near Albuquerque, NM?
The pilot’s inability to find a suitable landing area in a critical fuel situation and his decision to land on a highway, which resulted in the balloon impacting a bridge railing and terrain.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Oct 2022 AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL S53A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Oct 2022 involved an AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL S53A, operated by Steven C. Derebey, at Albuquerque, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s inability to find a suitable landing area in a critical fuel situation and his decision to land on a highway, which resulted in the balloon impacting a bridge railing and terrain.
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