Cameron Balloons Us C-80 N4022X accident near Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Probable cause

The passenger’s improper hand placement on the basket upright during landing, which resulted in injury when the upright fractured during the basket’s bounce and drag sequence.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the balloon reported that he and the passenger, who had recently purchased the balloon, were conducting a local flight. Before departure, he briefed the passenger on proper landing posture and hand placement down low and not on the uprights. The takeoff and enroute phase of the flight were unremarkable.

While on final approach to land, the pilot conducted a steep approach and demonstrated ground-tracking maneuvers before the final touchdown. During touchdown, the basket bounced and was dragged across the ground. The passenger was holding onto a basket upright during one of the bounces. Subsequently, the upright fractured and the passenger sustained a serious injury.

The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA176 for the full record.