Probable cause
The pilot's encounter with high wind which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.
NTSB analysis
Following a sightseeing flight, the pilot was attempting to land a hot air balloon when the wind velocity increased. On the initial touchdown, the balloon bounced, and traveled about 30 feet before experiencing a hard landing. Of the ten passengers on board, one sustained a broken leg. There was no damage to the balloon. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA517 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hartsel, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Kubicek BB85
- N-number
- N1545T
- Category
- Balloon
- 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.