Head Balloons Inc AX9 118 N3087D accident near Phoenix, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper preflight inspection of the balloon’s rapid deflation system, which resulted in its inhibited functionality during landing.

NTSB analysis

During the pilot’s preflight examination of the balloon, she was required to verify that the rapid deflation system actuation lines were free of knots and that the system functioned normally. The pilot failed to observe that one of the actuation lines was knotted and, therefore, improperly rigged. Although a 5-knot wind was forecasted for the vicinity in which the balloon flight was to be performed, minutes after takeoff the pilot observed that the wind speed increased. A witness in another balloon reported that the local wind speed was 12 knots. The pilot terminated the planned hour-long flight early, briefed the passengers that they would be landing in a high wind condition, and directed that they assume a prearranged stance in the basket. As expected, the landing touchdown was hard, and the balloon recoiled into the air. When the basket touched down again, it tipped over as the envelope was blown downwind. The pilot was not able to effectively utilize the balloon’s rapid deflation system because the knotted actuation line impeded her ability to expediently vent hot air from the envelope during the high-wind landing. The basket dragged nearly 360 feet over rough terrain until finally impacting a gate. During this period, the pilot was ejected from and overrun by the basket, which resulted in her serious injury. The five passengers remained inside the basket, and three sustained minor injuries. The pilot’s failure to ensure the proper rigging and functionality of the balloon’s deflation system led to her inability to activate it and extended deflation time and subsequent drag distance.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA161 for the full record.