PECOS, NM, USA
N4211V
RAVEN S-60A
THE PILOT HAD OBTAINED THREE WEATHER BRIEFINGS - AT 2000, 0447, AND 0705 - FOR A DEPARTURE OF BETWEEN 0700 AND 0730. EACH INDICATED THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR BALLOON FLYING. HOWEVER, SURFACE WINDS WERE FORECAST TO BE 15 KTS GUSTING 25 AFTER 1000. AS THE BALLOON LIFTED OFF, A GUST OF WIND WAS ENCOUNTERED, AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO CLIMB IMMEDIATELY TO 1,000 FT. THE PILOT SIGHTED A SUITABLE LANDING AREA AND DESCENDED THROUGH ROTOR WINDS AND LEVELED OFF AT 30 FT. SPEED WAS ESTIMATED AT 25 MPH. ON TOUCHDOWN, THE BASKET TIPPED FORWARD. A PASSENGER WAS EJECTED AND SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN THE BASKET WAS DRAGGED OVER HER.
AN ENCOUNTER WITH HIGH WINDS.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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