Family visiting Las Vegas describes scary final seconds before hard landing

Published
June 19, 2026
Outcome
Injured
Location
Pahrump, Nevada
Stewart Valley dry lake bed, west of Pahrump
Incident type
Aircraft

Summary

Aircraft Pahrump Nevada in Pahrump, Nevada: A hot air balloon operated by Vegas Balloon Rides made a hard landing Thursday morning in the Stewart Valley dry lake bed, west of Pahrump, Nevada. Several passengers suffered second and third degree burns and blunt force injuries, with Kairit's wife bleeding heavily. With no cell service in the remote area, passengers drove themselves to Desert View Hospital, and the Nye County Sheriff's Office received a 911 text about the crash around 6:30 a.m. The FAA is investigating the crash.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Kairit's wife Unknown Hospitalized
Brant Kairit Unknown Injured
Kairit family members Unknown Injured
Vegas Balloon Rides Unknown Unknown

Original reporting

Family visiting Las Vegas describes scary final seconds before hard landing

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