The Basket Briefly Touched Down And Bounced Twice Before Coming To Rest

Location: Custer, South Dakota Accident Number: CEN24LA369
Date & Time: September 27, 2024, 07:45 Local Registration: N605KD
Aircraft: ARBC Inc DBA Lindstrand 260A Aircraft Damage: None
Defining Event: Hard landing Injuries: 1 Serious, 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial observation

Analysis: The pilot reported that while aligning the balloon for the landing, he became aware of increasing wind speed. He briefed the passengers for a slightly faster landing and continued the approach. The pilot stated that he made the approach to the field at 6 knots and the ground crew were able to assist in slowing down the balloon during the landing. The basket briefly touched down and bounced twice before coming to rest. During the landing a passenger sustained a serious injury. The pilot stated that the injury was a result of another passenger crushing her against the wicker partition.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The balloon landing in increased wind, which resulted in a hard landing and the serious injury of a passenger.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov