Arbc Inc Dba Lindstrand 77A N477LB accident near Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent rate during the balloon’s approach to landing, which resulted in a hard landing and fatal passenger injury when the passenger fell out of the basket.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the balloon reported that, following an uneventful flight, she briefed the passenger for landing, which included having them secure themselves within the basket “holding on in 2 places.” The pilot stated that, during the landing descent, there was a bush that she selected to intentionally hit to slow the balloons ground speed down. The balloon brushed the vegetation, continued to descend, and landed hard. After the hard landing, the balloon became airborne and turned with the basket at a slight angle when the passenger “slid out the side of the basket,” about 5 ft above ground level.

The pilot was met by the passenger shortly after she had landed and secured the balloon. The pilot and passenger walked to a nearby ridge, at which point the pilot was able to contact her crew with the location of the balloon. During this time, the passenger was alert; however, he wanted to sit down to rest. The pilot stated that 911 was called about an hour after the hard landing. The passenger was attended to by emergency personnel before he was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was blunt pelvic trauma.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA158 for the full record.