Probable cause
The balloon pilot’s deliberate hard landing to avoid power lines and trees, which resulted in serious passenger injuries.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while landing the balloon in variable wind conditions, he "deliberately made firm contact with the ground" to avoid power lines and trees ahead. The balloon then bounced about 20 ft and impacted the ground again. During the second impact, 3 of the 19 passengers sustained serious injuries; the balloon was not damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15LA195 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 18, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hidden Valley Lake, California
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Kubicek BB100Z
- N-number
- N938BS
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 2012
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.