NTSB Factual Report

On October 10, 2001, at 0830 mountain daylight time, an Aerostar International Inc. S81A balloon, N52760, contacted a small building during a high wind landing to a parking lot of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The commercial pilot and nine passengers were not injured, and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The balloon was registered to and operated by Miles High Inc., d.b.a. Park City Balloon Adventures, Park City, Utah. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight. The local balloon flight departed Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico, at 0745.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that he attempted a landing to an asphalt parking lot, which contained a small building and automobiles. The balloon basket touched down and dragged along the asphalt approximately 60-80 feet. The balloon and basket impacted the small building and a powerline. Upon impact with the building, one passenger sustained a fractured shoulder. The balloon envelope was not damaged and the wicker basket sustained minor damage. The pilot stated the wind at the time of the landing was approximately 10-12 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the selection of an unsuitable landing area by the pilot. A contributing factor was the high wind during the landing.