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NTSB Report

September 15, 2025 · Cameron Balloons Us A-225 NO Series · N980VA

Albuquerque, NM

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 15, 2025
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 8 uninjured
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons Us A-225 NO Series (2022)
Tail Number
N980VA
Operator
Rainbow Ryders
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
WPR25LA284

The pilot reported that before takeoff, he instructed passengers to position themselves sideways for landing, with a shoulder facing the direction of travel. At the conclusion of the balloon flight, the pilot anticipated a bumpy landing due to an uneven landing area with knee-high bushes and winds of approximately 14 mph. He directed the passengers to get into the landing position that he had briefed. During landing, the balloon slid approximately twenty-five feet and rolled over before coming to a stop, which resulted in serious injury to one of the passengers. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. He further reported that he was not aware of the manufacturer’s landing procedure, which advises passengers to turn backwards so their back faces the direction of travel and to secure themselves using the basket handle or tank collar.

NTSB Probable Cause

The balloon pilot’s improper landing, which resulted in serious injury to a passenger. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to brief the proper landing procedure.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that before takeoff, he instructed passengers to position themselves sideways for landing, with a shoulder facing the direction of travel. At the conclusion of the balloon flight, the pilot anticipated a bumpy landing due to an uneven landing area with knee-high bushes and winds of approximately 14 mph. He directed the passengers to get into the landing position that he had briefed. During landing, the balloon slid approximately twenty-five feet and rolled over before coming to a stop, which resulted in serious injury to one of the passengers. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. He further reported that he was not aware of the manufacturer’s landing procedure, which advises passengers to turn backwards so their back faces the direction of travel and to secure themselves using the basket handle or tank collar.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:10 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron Balloons Us A-225 NO Series
Tail NumberN980VA
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorRainbow Ryders
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 8 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured8
Total9
Crew 1None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind110° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 F / 39 F
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time06:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data