Probable cause
The pilot’s improper brace during landing which resulted in a serious injury during the landing sequence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he conducted a steep approach to a field with the intention of landing in between two obstacles. The balloon cleared the first obstacle with a descent rate of 250 ft per minute. The basket touched down on its short side, near the corner. The pilot was thrown forward and down as he pulled the red line; his foot caught on the basket wall then twisted. The balloon bounced once or twice before it came to rest on its side. The pilot reported that there were no anomalies with the balloon that would have precluded normal operations. The balloon sustained minor damage and the passengers were not injured; however, the pilot sustained a serious ankle injury.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA159 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 28, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yutan, Nebraska
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aerostar International Inc RXS-8
- N-number
- N9106Q
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 1993
- Damage
- Minor
- 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.