LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A hot air balloon crashed and landed west of Pahrump on Thursday, injuring the people on board, including a family visiting Las Vegas from Mississippi.
The FAA determined there was a gust of wind as the balloon was coming in to land, causing the basket to bounce and end up on its side. The FAA ruled the crash an accident.
The people on board suffered burns and other blunt-force injuries but are expected to be OK.
Andy Baird, former president of the Balloon Federation of America, said balloon pilots can plan for flights, but weather can still change.
“It is Mother Nature,” Baird said. “Sometimes you can be surprised by a gust of wind that can come out of nowhere.”
Baird, who assists in investigations with the NTSB and FAA, said ballooning is generally safe, but risk cannot be eliminated.
“Like any form of transportation, you can’t eliminate all risks,” Baird said. “You are at the mercy of the winds. Part of a skill of the pilot is to select a day when the weather is conducive, but the weather is not always perfect.”
What to ask before booking
Baird said people looking to book a hot air balloon ride should ask several questions before choosing a company.
He said riders should ask how long the company has been insured, what its reputation is, and whether it has an online presence with many positive reviews.
Baird said balloon-specific questions should include how many pilots the company has, how long they have been flying balloons, whether they have a commercial pilot certificate and whether they have a second-class medical certificate, which he said is required.
He said people should also ask about a company’s safety record, the age of its equipment and how often the equipment is maintained.
Baird said vague answers or hesitation to answer those questions should be considered a red flag.
Elizabeth Kairit, one of the people on board, was the most injured, with broken bones and burns. Her family told FOX5 she had surgery at UMC and has started to walk again.
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