Aerostar International Inc S-77A N9014W accident near Boulder, Colorado

Probable cause

An encounter with a sudden gust of wind, which rendered the balloon uncontrollable and led to a collision with a tree.

NTSB analysis

The pilot performed a normal cold-inflation of the balloon and instructed the passengers to board. The balloon was suddenly overcome by a gust of wind that pushed the envelope into a tree. The balloon was drawn upward by the wind, with its vent lines still entangled in the tree. As the lines became taut, sections of material ripped from the envelope, resulting in several long vertical tears. The pilot elected to abort the flight due to increasing wind speeds. The pilot attempted to gain control and stabilize the balloon, but it descended and collided with a tree. The basket came to rest about 20 feet above terrain. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA209 for the full record.