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Hot air balloon experienced a hard landing and fire damage when the passenger pulled the red line during the landing approach.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 844016 |
| Time | |
| Date | 200907 |
| Local Time Of Day | 0601-1200 |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | VMC |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Balloon |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 91 |
| Flight Phase | Final Approach Landing |
| Route In Use | Visual Approach |
| Flight Plan | VFR |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Aeroplane Flight Control |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Pilot Flying |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Private |
| Experience | Flight Crew Type 21 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control Inflight Event / Encounter Object |
Narrative:
Crew met at my house at XA30am for rundown of the days' schedule and certain procedures pertaining to ballooning. I explained that we wanted to have a fun but safe time and advised they were not to touch the burners or red lines at any time. Crew signed agreement and release of liability waivers before we left the house. Once at the balloon launch site; all were encouraged to help unload trailer; discuss parts of the balloon; and help with the set up. Again; I advised them not to touch the burners or red line and stated the reasoning. The balloon was launched safely with pilot and one passenger aboard without incident. Approximately 30 minutes into flight; I discussed the normal landing procedure and stance with the passenger and again advised them not to touch the burners or red line during flight or landing. Approximately 50 minutes into the flight; I spotted a field just beyond a small grove of trees. I advised the passenger we were going to start our descent for landing; to take the proper stance and do not touch the burners or red line. I descended to approximately 50 ft AGL to just brush the top of the tree line. The passenger panicked and pulled the red line. The balloon immediately descended quickly into the middle of the trees and the envelope collapsed. I made a split second decision not to try to reset the top by using the burners as I thought it would cause more damage to the balloon and may result in injury to my passenger or myself. A minor fire started in the dead tree and started melting the envelope. I turned off all the burners and tanks. The basket touched the ground. Once the basket was stable; I told the passenger to exit the basket and move away. I then exited the basket; grabbed the fire extinguishers and put out the fire. 6-8 panels were damaged. No injuries were sustained. Corrective action: I intend to keep the red line in my hand from the time of descent for landing until the balloon has been safely landed and all passengers have exited the basket. Being short on stature; it would be unwise to keep the passengers in front of me; however; I intend to keep the passengers within my range of vision.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: Hot air balloon experienced a hard landing and fire damage when the passenger pulled the red line during the landing approach.
Narrative: Crew met at my house at XA30am for rundown of the days' schedule and certain procedures pertaining to ballooning. I explained that we wanted to have a fun but safe time and advised they were not to touch the burners or red lines at any time. Crew signed agreement and release of liability waivers before we left the house. Once at the balloon launch site; all were encouraged to help unload trailer; discuss parts of the balloon; and help with the set up. Again; I advised them not to touch the burners or red line and stated the reasoning. The balloon was launched safely with pilot and one passenger aboard without incident. Approximately 30 minutes into flight; I discussed the normal landing procedure and stance with the passenger and again advised them not to touch the burners or red line during flight or landing. Approximately 50 minutes into the flight; I spotted a field just beyond a small grove of trees. I advised the passenger we were going to start our descent for landing; to take the proper stance and do not touch the burners or red line. I descended to approximately 50 FT AGL to just brush the top of the tree line. The passenger panicked and pulled the red line. The balloon immediately descended quickly into the middle of the trees and the envelope collapsed. I made a split second decision not to try to reset the top by using the burners as I thought it would cause more damage to the balloon and may result in injury to my passenger or myself. A minor fire started in the dead tree and started melting the envelope. I turned off all the burners and tanks. The basket touched the ground. Once the basket was stable; I told the passenger to exit the basket and move away. I then exited the basket; grabbed the fire extinguishers and put out the fire. 6-8 panels were damaged. No injuries were sustained. Corrective action: I intend to keep the red line in my hand from the time of descent for landing until the balloon has been safely landed and all passengers have exited the basket. Being short on stature; it would be unwise to keep the passengers in front of me; however; I intend to keep the passengers within my range of vision.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.