IAD98LA105

Factual narrative

On August 29, 1998, at 1900 eastern daylight time, N9067F, a Balloon Works, Firefly 7, landed in a field near Freehold, New Jersey, and a passenger sustained serious injuries during the landing. The balloon was not damaged. The certificated commercial pilot and two other passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local flight that originated in the Monroe Township, New Jersey. The commercial sightseeing flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he had set up to land in a large field, but the wind shifted and he decided to land in a smaller field. During the landing, one of the passengers lost his balance and fell onto another passenger who incurred an ankle injury. The pilot reported that he had briefed the passengers prior to touchdown. According to the pilot, he had set up to land the balloon in a large field, but the wind shifted so he decided to land in a smaller field. During the landing, one of the passengers lost his balance and fell onto another passenger who incurred an ankle injury. The pilot reported that he had briefed the passengers prior to touchdown. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12