SOLEBURG, PA, USA
N4022Q
Adams UNKNOWN
THE PILOT SAID THAT AT TAKEOFF THE WIND WAS CALM; HOWEVER, AFTER ABOUT 45 MINUTES OF FLIGHT, THE WIND INCREASED SO HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND THE BALLOON IN THE NEAREST ACCEPTABLE LANDING AREA. THE WIND WAS ABOUT 15 TO 18 KNOTS AT THE TIME OF THE LANDING. THE PILOT SAID THAT THE BASKET FELL OVER AND A PASSENGER FELL OUT. THE BALLOON THEN WENT AIRBORNE AGAIN DUE TO THE LOSS OF WEIGHT AND RELANDED, HITTING THE PASSENGER WITH THE BASKET. THE BASKET CONTAINED NO RESTRAINING DEVICES TO HELP THE OCCUPANTS REMAIN INSIDE.
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE WEATHER EVALUATION WHICH RESULTED IN DELAYING THE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT INCLUDED HIGH WINDS AND THE LACK OF RESTRAINING DEVICES INSIDE THE BASKET TO HELP THE OCCUPANTS REMAIN INSIDE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports