Thursday, October 08, 2009

Fall from hot-air balloon caught on tape

A hot-air balloon passenger fell to the ground on Monday morning after the balloon's gondola hit the top of a corporate tent on the Balloon Fiesta park grounds and tipped.

Officials said Thomas Hurd, 70, of Florida, fell about 25 feet.

"The balloonist tumbled out head over heels, just twirling to the ground," said Donna Lichti, who witnessed the event.



Officials said Hurd was listed in serious condition at University of New Mexico hospital with a dislocated hip.

The pilot, Timmerly Ecklund, 56, of Illinois, remained in the gondola as the balloon rose to about 300 feet, then made a rapid descent.

Ecklund sustained minor injuries in what officials described as a hard landing but was able to walk away.

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