Arbc Inc Dba Lindstrand 260A N26464 accident near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent rate during the balloon’s approach to landing, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

Following an uneventful flight, the pilot descended the balloon at a steep angle into a vacant field. The pilot had briefed the passengers on the proper brace position before the flight and then again just before the landing. The basket touched down firmly, bounced several times and came to rest on its side. Following the landing a passenger experienced pain in his leg. It was later determined the passenger had a broken ankle. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operations.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA302 for the full record.