NTSB Identification: LAX84LA231.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 25062.
Accident occurred Friday, March 23, 1984 in PHOENIX, AZ
Aircraft: BALLOON WORKS FIRE FLY 8-24, registration: N36104
Injuries: 2 Serious,3 Minor,1 Uninjured.
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.THE PLT TOOK OFF ON A SIGHT-SEEING BALLOON FLT WITH 5 PASSENGERS WHOSE AGES WERE REPORTEDLY FROM 65 TO 83 YRS OLD. ABOUT 1 HR & 15 MINS LATER, HE LANDED ON DESERT TERRAIN IN WINDS THAT HE ESTIMATED WERE APRX 10 KTS GUSTING TO 15 KTS. DURING TOUCHDOWN, THE BASKET DESCEND INTO VEGETATION & TIPPED OVER ONTO ITS SIDE. THE PLT HAD INSTRUCTED THE PASSENGERS TO MOVE TO THE BACK OF THE BASKET, BRACE THEMSELVES & TO SQUAT DOWN JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. HOWEVER, SEVERAL PASSENGERS STOOD UP & EXTENDED THEIR ARMS UPWARD TO BRACE THEMSELVES. WHEN THE BASKET TIPPED OVER, 1 OF THE PASSENGER'S ARMS WAS CAUGHT BENEATH IT. SEVERAL OTHER PASSENGERS FELL ON TOP OF THE OTHERS. ONE OF THE PASSENGERS SUFFERED A BROKEN WRIST; ANOTHER SUFFERED 3 BROKEN RIBS. THE SERIOUSLY INJURED PASSENGERS WERE 70 & 83 YRS OF AGE.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
PLANNING/DECISION..IMPROPER..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..ROUGH/UNEVEN
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..HIGH WIND
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..GUSTS
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..HIGH VEGETATION
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