| Crash location | 44.844444°N, 92.943055°W |
| Nearest city | Cottage Grove, MN
44.827745°N, 92.943822°W 1.2 miles away |
| Tail number | N52461 |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 02 Jun 2003 |
| Aircraft type | Aerostar S-77A |
| Additional details: | None |
On June 2, 2003, at 2007 central daylight time, an Aerostar S-77A, N52461, operated by Wiederkehr Balloon International, Inc., experienced a hard landing after a steep approach to a field near Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and seven passengers reported no injuries, and one passenger reported serious injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 balloon ride flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight departed about 1900.
The pilot reported that he attempted to land in a hay field. A line was dropped to the chase crew, who were unsuccessful in slowing the balloon down. The crew released the line allowing the balloon to climb over obstacles. The pilot stated he deployed the parachute top vent to descend onto a baseball field. He deployed the aero chute vent to flare the balloon before touching down. The balloon bounced "three or four times" before coming to a stop in the upright position.
A passenger sustained a broken rib.
The ride balloon was undamaged.
The inadequate touchdown by the pilot.