LITTLETON, CO, USA
N9517P
Cameron V-77
THE BALLOON PILOT SAID THE WIND VELOCITY INCREASED AFTER HE HAD BEEN FLYING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, AND HE DECIDED TO MAKE A RAPID DESCENT TO LANDING. THE WINDS WERE STRONGER THAN HE ANTICIPATED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO LEVEL OFF. A HARD LANDING RESULTED AND THE BALLOON WAS DRAGGED ACROSS THE GROUND, DESPITE HAVING PULLED THE ENVELOPE DUMP VALVE. THE PILOT RELEASED THE CONTROL IN ORDER TO ASSIST A PASSENGER WHO WAS STRIKING HER HEAD ON THE GROUND. AN FAA BALLOON INSPECTOR SAID THE PILOT USED THE INCORRECT HIGH WIND LANDING PROCEDURES.
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER LANDING PROCEDURE, INCLUDING WRONG COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS AND IMPROPER USE OF THE ENVELOPE DUMP CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS: HIGH WIND.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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