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N65400 accident description

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Crash location 38.406389°N, 121.970556°W
Nearest city Vacaville, CA
38.356577°N, 121.987744°W
3.6 miles away
Tail number N65400
Accident date 13 Nov 2011
Aircraft type Cameron Balloons A-315
Additional details: None

NTSB Factual Report

The pilot and his passengers were on a local area flight in a hot air balloon. Prior to departure, the pilot conducted a preflight orientation for the passengers which included proper positioning in the basket during landing. Upon departure the winds were from the south at 5 knots. During landing, the pilot noted that the winds had increased to 10 knots. The balloon's descent rate near the surface was 30 feet per minute. Upon contact with the ground, the balloon basket slid approximately 40 to 50 feet before impacting a 6 to 8-inch curb. The basket stopped abruptly and fell over. One of the passengers sustained a broken leg during the landing. The pilot's ground crew reported that the passenger was not against the downwind basket side at the time of ground contact. The pilot indicated that prior to departure, he will now require passengers to demonstrate their landing positioning so that he can ensure their understanding.

NTSB Probable Cause

The balloon’s encounter with increased wind, which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.

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