# NTSB Accident ERA16LA284
> **BALLOON WORKS FIREFLY8** · 2016-08-06 · Northwood, NH, USA · SERS
## Event
- **NTSB number:** ERA16LA284
- **Event ID:** 20160808X94140
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2016-08-06
- **Location:** Northwood, NH, USA
- **Coordinates:** 43.205276, -71.229446
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** SERS
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 5
- **Total aboard:** 6
## Aircraft
- **Make:** BALLOON WORKS
- **Model:** FIREFLY8
- **Registration:** N317W
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** —
- **Damage:** —
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The balloon pilot’s inadequate weather planning and improper decision to depart in reported increasing variable winds with nearby thunderstorms, which resulted in a subsequent hard landing and a serious passenger injury.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ERA16LA284) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*