Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and a serious passenger injury.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after the balloon encountered a thermal en route, he decided to land it in a hayfield surrounded by a wooded area. He added that the balloon was "driven down into the tree branches," and when over the hayfield, it descended and bounced hard to about 10 ft as he deflated the envelope. The balloon landed hard again and then deflated. One passenger sustained serious injuries.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA484 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hume, New York
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cameron A 210
- N-number
- N6533Q
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 2011
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.