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 landed a hot air balloon in approximately 15 knots of wind. During the initial touchdown, the balloon bounced and skipped several times before landing firmly, tipping the basket on its side. Of the eight passengers on board, one sustained a broken ankle and two passengers sustained minor injuries. 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 CEN11CA520 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 22, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clark, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cameron Balloons Us AX10
- N-number
- N2012J
- 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.