Probable cause
The hard landing due to a higher-than-forecast surface wind, which resulted in a serious neck injury to the pilot.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he made a normal landing approach but that the surface wind velocity was higher than forecast, which required him to use a high-wind landing technique. The pilot remained in control of the balloon during the hard landing and was able to properly brace himself before the landing. However, shortly after touchdown, the balloon tipped over onto its side, which was typical for a high-wind landing; the balloon was not damaged. The pilot fell out of the basket after his shoulder contacted the ground. The pilot was able to pull the vent line to fully deflate the envelope after touchdown. Following the hard landing, the pilot was admitted to a hospital and treated for a serious neck injury.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA103 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 10, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Peru, Indiana
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Lindstrand Balloons Usa 120A
- N-number
- N316TB
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 2012
- 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.