Probable cause
The pilot's excessive descent maneuver.
NTSB analysis
The balloon pilot was not able to land at the intended site because he did not descend quickly enough. He continued flying while searching for an alternate landing location. He located a suitable landing area and started another descent. He then observed electrical power lines off to the side and advised his two passengers to prepare for a hard landing. The pilot induced a rapid descent to avoid the powers lines and the balloon landed hard. During the hard landing, one of the passengers suffered a serious foot injury.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08CA146 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jamestown, Rhode Island
- Nearest airport
- Quonset State Airport (OQU)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Firefly 7-15
- N-number
- N2131Y
- Category
- Balloon
- 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.