Probable cause
The pilot did not properly brace herself during the landing, which resulted in a broken ankle and leg.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the balloon flight was normal with light and variable wind conditions. The pilot stated she informed the passenger that the basket may "hop" a couple of times during the landing and told him to brace himself. When the balloon basket touched the ground, the pilot's foot became wedged between the sidewall of the basket and one of the fuel tanks. The pilot lost her balance, her body shifted, and she felt her ankle fracture. She told the passenger to continue pulling the deflation line. The envelope deflated quickly and the basket laid down onto its side. There was no damage to the envelope or basket. The pilot suffered a broken ankle and leg.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15CA340 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
AX8 105S2
- N-number
- N787TC
- 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.