Kubicek Factory S R O BB26Z N307CK

Summary

On 13 July 2024 at about 12:50 local time, a Kubicek Factory S R O BB26Z registered N307CK, operated by City of Riverton, was involved in an accident near Casper, Wyoming, United States. 2 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

13 July 2024 at 12:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Casper, Wyoming, United States

Coordinates

42.8349, -106.2493

Aircraft

Kubicek Factory S R O BB26Z

Registration

N307CK

Category

Balloon

Operator

City of Riverton

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR24LA245

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's inability to maintain control of the balloon after encountering high wind conditions and windshear during the landing, which resulted in the pilot’s ejection from the basket and serious injury.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the balloon stated reported that, during the hour-long flight, the surface winds had increased. During the landing, the pilot “vented out the air to descend” and the balloon “hit the ground hard.” Witnesses who observed the balloon’s approach to the landing field stated the balloon began a rapid descent. Subsequently, the balloon landed hard, and the basket tipped over. The pilot was ejected, resulting in serious injury. The balloon pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.