Hot-air balloon forced to make rough landing near Peoria

PHOENIX — One person was injured Thursday morning when a hot-air balloon made a hard landing in a desert area northwest of Phoenix after it possibly struck power lines.

Peoria Fire-Medical said two others were aboard the balloon, which hit the ground near Loop 303 and Lake Pleasant. First responders arrived to find an empty balloon and no one in the area.

Can confirm one injury from balloon crash, do not know extent. Was driven to hospital by member of balloon crew. Three people involved. pic.twitter.com/yZf0Nw5g4Q

— Peoria Fire-Medical (@PeoriaFire) August 31, 2017

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said early reports were that someone who was tracking the flight had picked them up.

The pilot eventually returned to the site and told police the injured person had suffered a minor leg wound that hadn’t needed medical attention.

The FAA said it will investigate the accident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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