Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to properly estimate the height of terrain while descending the balloon, which resulted in the balloon impacting a hill and passengers sustaining serious injuries.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that, as he descended and maneuvered the balloon to check the wind for landing, the balloon impacted a hill that was higher than what he expected. He reported that the balloon's airspeed was between 15 and 20 mph when the collision occurred. Both passengers sustained a serious injury during the impact with the hill. Following the impact, the pilot initiated a burn to gain altitude, and shortly after, he landed the balloon with the assistance of his ground crew.
The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19TA005 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 10, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Placitas, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Balloon Works FIREFLY 7
- N-number
- N7252H
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 2001
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Air show
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.