Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a safe rate of descent during landing. Contributing to the accident was the strong surface winds.
NTSB analysis
While landing a hot air balloon, the pilot encountered surface winds estimated at 22 mph and gusting to 28 mph. At 20 to 25 feet above ground level, the pilot shut off the burner and prepared for the landing. The hot air balloon descended 400 to 450 feet per minute, impacted hard on downward sloping terrain, and was dragged approximately 360 feet by the wind before coming to rest. The pilot suffered two broken ankles. There were no reported pre-impact anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA159 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 31, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- La Junta, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cameron Balloons Us V-90
- N-number
- N2097H
- Category
- Balloon
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.