- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Accident Number: WPR26LA052
- Date & Time: November 24, 2025, 08:00 Local
- Registration: N980VA
- Aircraft: CAMERON BALLOONS US A-225
- Aircraft Damage: None
- Defining Event: Hard landing
- Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor, 7 None
- Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Business
https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202082/pdf
https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=202082
The hot air balloon pilot reported that he performed a safety briefing with all eight passengers before they boarded the balloon. During the flight the winds, which were forecasted to be about 3 knots at the time of landing, increased to 14 kts, gusting to 19 kts. The pilot determined that the planned landing area did not provide sufficient room for a safe landing due to the increase in wind speed and elected to divert to a more open area. The balloon crossed over a valley and encountered a downdraft, which the pilot said he unsuccessfully attempted to overcome using the gas burners. He activated the rapid-deflation system to help prevent dragging; the balloon touched down hard and was dragged by the wind as it deflated. The balloon landed hard at about 23 kts, which resulted in a serious injury to one of the passengers.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operations.
- Probable Cause: The balloon landing in increased wind, and the pilot’s inability to maintain the proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing.
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