Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident were windshear and rocky terrain.
NTSB analysis
During the approach to landing, the balloon's descent rate was about 300 feet per minute. About 200 feet above the ground the balloon encountered a strong windshear, increasing its horizontal speed over the ground to about 30 knots. The balloon continued descending at about 300 feet per minute until touching down, at which time its basket tilted over and began to drag for about 200 yards, with the last 125 yards over rocky ground. One of the passengers sustained a serious injury due to his arm being stuck between the basket and the ground. The chase crew arrived at the scene about 40 seconds later. No anomalies were reported with the balloon prior to the flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08LA119 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 3, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cameron Balloons C-100
- N-number
- N6004K
- Category
- Balloon
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.