Probable cause
The passenger's inadequate bracing during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the balloon located a landing area after completing a racing event. The pilot stated that he briefed the passenger prior to the landing to hold on to the basket handles. The pilot positioned himself in the front of the basket, with the passenger behind him. The landing was a normal, "stand-up landing." The passenger lost her grip from the handles and she consequently pitched forward as they bumped the ground and came to a stop. The passenger complained that her ankle hurt as she exited the basket. At first it was believed the passenger suffered a sprained ankle. A medical evaluation, 2 days later, discovered a fracture above the ankle.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA276 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 26, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Nearest airport
- Louisville International Airpo (SDF)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Arbc Inc Dba Lindstrand 60X
- N-number
- N877LX
- Category
- Balloon
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Air show
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.