Hot air balloon crash west of Pahrump injures Las Vegas visitors; FAA cites wind gust

Published
June 24, 2026
Outcome
Injured
Location
Pahrump, Nevada
west of Pahrump
Incident type
Aircraft

Summary

Aircraft Pahrump Nevada in Pahrump, Nevada: A hot air balloon crashed and landed west of Pahrump on Thursday, injuring the people on board, including a family visiting Las Vegas from Mississippi. The FAA determined a gust of wind caused the basket to bounce and end up on its side as the balloon was coming in to land, and ruled the crash an accident. The occupants suffered burns and other blunt-force injuries, with Elizabeth Kairit being the most injured, sustaining broken bones and burns.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Elizabeth Kairit Unknown Injured

Original reporting

Hot air balloon crash west of Pahrump injures Las Vegas visitors; FAA cites wind gust

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