HOPKINTON, MA, USA
N28267
AEROSTAR AX-9
DUE TO THE LACK OF A SUITABLE LANDING AREA, THE PILOT CONTINUED FLIGHT UNTIL HE EXPERIENCED FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE BALLOON SETTLED INTO TREES WHERE TWO PASSENGERS WERE OFFLOADED. THE PILOT SAID HE THOUGHT WITH TWO PASSENGER OUT OF THE BASKET, THERE WOULD BE ENOUGH RESIDUAL LIFT TO LIFT THE BALLOON CLEAR OF THE TREES; HOWEVER, THE BALLOON ONLY MOVED ABOUT 20 FEET AND SETTLED BACK INTO THE TREES. WHILE SETTLING TO THE GROUND SEVERAL SIDE PANELS OF THE BALLOON WERE RIPPED.
THE PILOT'S INFLIGHT PLANNING WHICH RESULTED IN A FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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