Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the balloon reported that while descending for a landing with a 5 kt wind from the west, about 20 ft above ground level, the balloon’s groundspeed increased to 12-13 kts. The pilot ascended the balloon due to power lines and when cleared, began the approach to landing in a small field. The pilot verified all passengers were in position for the landing and flared utilizing all 3 burners. Subsequently, the balloon impacted cholla covered desert terrain, bounced, and came to rest on its side about 140 ft from the initial landing area. Two passengers sustaining serious injury.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA006 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 3, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Minor injuries
- 5
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ultramagic Sa N-300
- N-number
- N27MU
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 2023
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.