Probable cause
The passenger’s failure to maintain a proper landing position and handhold during the landing sequence, which resulted in a serious injury.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after he instructed the passengers on the landing procedures, positions, and handholds in the basket of the hot air balloon, they completed about a 1-hour flight without any anomalies. Prior to a normal landing, the passengers were once again instructed on the landing procedures. During landing, shortly after touchdown, the balloon slid to a stop and a passenger was unable to maintain her instructed position and handhold. Subsequently, the passenger sustained a serious injury.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA223 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 26, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Taos Regional Airport (KSKX)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ultramagic Sa T210
- N-number
- N53WB
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 2018
- 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.