Ultramagic Sa T210 N123UT accident near Albuquerque, New Mexico

Probable cause

The other pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a balloon on the ground during landing.

NTSB analysis

The Ultramagic balloon pilot reported that, during a balloon festival, after a local sightseeing flight, he landed the balloon and decided to wait for the ground crew to locate the balloon before deflating. He added that, as the balloon was deflating, he "heard a basket sliding across the top of [his] balloon." The balloon rotated counter-clockwise, and the balloon basket, still loaded with passengers, rolled upside down.

The Ultramagic balloon sustained substantial damage to the burner rack. One passenger sustained serious injuries.

The Lindstrand balloon pilot reported that, during landing, there were two balloons in his flightpath. He added that he climbed and passed the first balloon but was unable to pass the second balloon, and "I brushed him with my basket on the top of his balloon." He landed the balloon without further incident.

The Ultramagic pilot and the Lindstrand operations manager reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloons that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA016 for the full record.