Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 47; Flight Crew Total 3191; Flight Crew Type 25
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Environment - Non Weather Related
Two balloons departed from the launch site; one solo and myself with one passenger in a southeast direction. Winds on the ground at launch were approximately 6 MPH. Winds aloft between 200 and 1;000 FT AGL varied from 8 MPH to 22 MPH. My pilot-rated passenger was briefed on landing position before the flight; during the flight and prior to landing. The balloon was traveling in south east at approximately 10 MPH. Prior to the approach; the pilot of the other balloon communicated via radio that wind shear was encountered between 200-500 AGL. A protected flat field; approximately 80 acres in size was selected for landing. The field edges were lined with 150-200 FT pine trees that I anticipated would help limit our forward ground speed during the touchdown. A flat approach was selected and the balloon was descending approximately 100 FPM. At a height of approximately 50 FT above the ground; the envelope abruptly tilted forward and the vertical descent increased rapidly. The passenger was told to hold on tightly and a double burn was initiated immediately. The descent did not slow and the basket impacted the ground at an approximately 30 degree angle to the ground and the vent line was deployed. The passenger was unable to hold on and was ejected from the basket; forward of the direction of travel. Immediately releasing the vent line caused the balloon to ascend in an attempt to minimize the contact with the passenger now on the ground. As soon as confirmed clear of the passenger; the quick vent was pulled and the balloon came to rest approximately 100 FT from the passenger on the ground. A radio call was immediately made to the crew vehicle to call 9-1-1 as I ran to the injured passenger. I immediately removed my sweatshirt and applied it to a laceration above the passenger's left eye and stabilized the passenger's neck while the crew entered the field to render assistance. The passenger was complaining about the blood and a sore wrist. A crew member remained on the line with the Dispatcher while the Crew Chief assumed patient care while I informed the single firefighter/medic of the situation who arrived about 10 minutes after the event. Shortly after; two Deputy Sheriff's arrived to investigate and I was questioned regarding the events. An ambulance arrived and transported the passenger to a hospital. The Deputies made contact with their Sergeant. who informed the FAA. I was told the FAA wasn't going to investigate and that I was to pack up the balloon and leave. After packing the balloon; the crew and I returned to the launch site to drop off a crew member. On my way to the hospital; I notified the insurance company of the incident and my Crew Chief contacted the passenger's spouse who had already been informed of the incident. He asked us to remain with the passenger and take them home after release. My crew chief and I were with the passenger during suturing of the laceration and post evaluation by the doctor. Prior to our arrival at the hospital; the passenger received a CT scan and palpation of the body by the trauma physician. No other injuries were found. Approximately; three hours after the incident; the passenger was released from the hospital and I drove them home. I and my crew chief remained with the passenger until their spouse returned from a trip; about 10 hours after the incident. The passenger is expected to make a full recovery. Based on the physician's evaluation and the fact that the balloon did not sustain any damage; the incident did not meet the criteria in NTSB 830 for reporting.
When; for unexplained/unknown reasons; the hot air balloon's approach for a landing became unstabilized; the basket struck the ground firmly and ejected the single passenger who suffered a head laceration and minor joint trauma and was transported to a hospital for stitches and a precautionary; ultimately negative; examination for internal injuries.