Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain the descent rate, resulting in abnormal runway/ground contact.
NTSB analysis
The pilot determined that the wind was faster than anticipated at the landing location. He maneuvered the balloon for a landing in an open field, the gondola landed hard, and fell onto its side. One passenger sustained a broken leg and the balloon sustained no damage.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon prior to the flight that would have precluded normal operation of the balloon.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA039 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 15, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bernalillo, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cameron Z90 - NO SERIES
- N-number
- N681SJ
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 2013
- 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.