Probable cause
The pilot's excessive descent rate.
NTSB analysis
On a scenic balloon flight with four passengers, the pilot located a clear area to land the balloon. As the pilot maneuvered the balloon to the area, the wind the pilot was expecting did not materialize and the pilot picked an alternate site. In order to remain clear of obstacles, the pilot "vented" the balloon "and had a hard landing." During the landing, one of the passengers sustained a broken ankle.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA318 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 25, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aerostar International Inc S-60A
- N-number
- N120RB
- Category
- Balloon
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.