NIAGARA FALLS, NY, USA
N1192W
CAMERON HAB-N90
THE BALLOON PILOT WAS CONDUCTING A NORMAL LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE PILOT STATED: 'I ADVISED THE [PASSENGERS] TO BRACE THEMSELVES USING THE HANDLES...THE BALLOON TOUCHED DOWN, SLID UP A SMALL KNOLL...THE BASKET SLID A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE COMING TO A FINAL STOP. I CHECKED MY [PASSENGERS] AND [ONE PASSENGER] HAD BROKEN HER RIGHT LEG.'
On Friday, August 27, 1993, at 0733 eastern daylight time, a Cameron HAB-N90, N1192W, a free balloon, registered to James S. Suttle, and piloted by Penny L. Suttle, landed in a field in Niagara Falls, New York. The balloon was not damaged. The pilot and one passenger were not injured, but a second passenger received serious injures. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 91. The pilot was conducting a landing in an open field. In her report, the pilot stated: All equipment was stowed and out of the way for landing. I advised the [passengers] to brace themselves using the inside handles, bend their knees slightly, face the direction of travel and watch the progress of the landing...the balloon touched down, slid up a small knoll, then touched down again after the knoll. The basket slid a short distance before coming to a final stop. I checked the [passengers] and [one] had a broken leg...The hot air balloon was not damaged.
The inadequate bracing of the passenger for landing which resulted in a fall.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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