Firefly Balloons 2010 Inc FIREFLY 12B-010 N3016R accident near Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to properly control the balloon during a steep approach that resulted in a hard landing and a serious passenger injury.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he and 10 passengers were landing following a 30 minute flight. The balloon had to clear powerlines along a road to land in a field and the pilot had to land the balloon before it encountered trees and a row of bushes at the end of the field. The pilot briefed the passengers on the landing position and procedures and descended to the field. He landed the balloon firm so that it would not move closer to the trees and bushes. The pilot reported that immediately after landing, one of the passengers complained that her wrist was sore. During a medical examination after the accident, it was determined that she sustained a fractured wrist.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA210 for the full record.