TUCSON, AZ, USA
N8554N
SEMCO CHALLENGER
THE PILOT WAS OUTSIDE THE BASKET WHEN THE BALLOON TOOK OFF. HE GRABBED THE DEFLATION HANDLE AND THE BALLOON CARRIED HIM ALOFT. HE FELL FROM ABOUT 40 FT AGL ONTO HIS HEAD AND WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE PILOT REPORTEDLY WAS GOING TO TETHER THE BALLOON. DURING INFLATION THE BURNER SLIPPED OUT OF ONE HOLDER & INFLATION WAS INTERRUPTED TO WORK ON THE BURNER WHEN THE IMPROPERLY SECURED BALLOON LIFTED OFF. DURING INVESTIGATION THE PLASTIC COATING ON THE DEFLATION LINE WAS FOUND TO BE SEPARATED WHERE IT GOES THROUGH THE 'D' RING ATTACHED TO HE ENVELOPE. THE DEFLATION LINE AND THE VENT LINE WERE FOUND TO BE TANGLED.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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