NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Balloon Fiesta is now just days away, and while visitors will be able to see hundreds of balloons fill the skyline, not everyone gets the chance to ride in one. Those who do get that opportunity, however, have to make a choice: to fly, or not to fly?

Hot air balloon rides are commonly named as a bucket list item (as seen on the side of Rainbow Riders balloons), and many who get the chance to ride in one say they would fly again. With a plethora of beautiful views from the clouds, it may seem like a no-brainer.

However, there is a certain amount of risk involved with ballooning. While accidents are rare, they do happen. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board shows at least 775 hot air balloon accidents from 1964 to 2022 in the United States, with 70 of thos

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