Air Balloon Malfunction Leads to a Scary Ride

A balloon ride turned into an ordeal for 20 people in Baltimore when the tethered craft became stuck 350 feet above the city and was tossed around by high wind like a pinata before rescuers brought it down.

Four people suffered minor injuries in the 90-minute mishap, which occurred when wind from an approaching storm caused a winch to fail as it retracted a cable, authorities said.

“You really needed to hang on,” said Kevin Phelps, who was on the balloon with his wife and 6-year-old daughter.

Rescuers were able to get the winch to work slowly -- about four feet a minute -- to bring the balloon down. The balloon offers visitors a panoramic view of Baltimore and can accommodate as many as 30 passengers.