What happened
On May 3, 2024, at approximately 18:30 Pacific daylight time, an Ultramagic SA Z-90 balloon, registration N290UM, was involved in an accident near Del Mar, California. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot reported launching the balloon at 18:15 for a sunset "celebration of life" flight with one passenger. While flying at an altitude of approximately 1,300 feet MSL, the passenger requested privacy for ceremonial purposes, prompting the pilot to turn his back. Within 20 to 30 seconds, the pilot felt the basket shift and realized the passenger had jumped from the aircraft. The pilot observed the passenger in free fall but did not witness the impact with the ground.
The pilot contacted the ground crew via radio to request emergency services. The pilot landed the balloon approximately 30 minutes later and met with police officers at the scene. The accident resulted in 1 fatality and the pilot was not injured.