Cameron Balloons A-250 N3037V

Summary

On 9 February 2005 at about 23:45 local time, a Cameron Balloons A-250 registered N3037V, operated by Hot Air Expeditions, was involved in an accident near Cave Creek, Arizona, United States. 4 people were on board and one was seriously injured. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 February 2005 at 23:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Cave Creek, Arizona, United States

Nearest airport

Deer Valley Airport (DVT)

Coordinates

33.2833, -111.7500

Aircraft

Cameron Balloons A-250

Registration

N3037V

Category

Balloon

Operator

Hot Air Expeditions

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Cave Creek → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX05LA094

1 person was seriously injured.

the pilot's inadequate handling of the balloon during boarding resulting in a passenger falling and sustaining a serious injury.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

A passenger fell while boarding the balloon, and broke her collarbone. Prior to the envelope's hot air inflation, the pilot had two passengers preboard the balloon due to one of the female passenger's physical limitations and speed of the surface wind. He estimated that the surface wind was 4-5 mph. As he started hot inflation of the balloon, the envelope started to stand upright. At that time, he instructed the third passenger to board. As she climbed into the basket, the side of the basket that she was on lifted slightly causing her to lose her balance and she fell into the basket. A medical examination revealed that she had a broken collarbone. The pilot stated that the balloon and heater had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.