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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 6, 1999 · Balloon Works AX-8 · N32877

Beech Island, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 6, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Beech Island, SC
Aircraft
Balloon Works AX-8
Tail Number
N32877
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL99LA047

After landing, the pilot turned off the pilot light valves on the tanks but not on the burners. The pilot then started deflating the balloon and laid the basket over on its side. While exiting the basket, the pilot bumped the main valve. The flames from the burner ignited the balloon envelope, and started a ground fire. The Balloon Works Firefly Series Flight Manual states that, 'Just prior to touchdown: (1) Make sure that the Trigger Valve (and/or Fire 2 Valve if in use) is firmly closed, (2) Close the Pilot Light Safety Shut Off. Action (2) is a precaution against possibility that the pilot lights or accidental burning might damage the envelope or ignite anything at the landing site.'

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to follow the balloon checklist that resulted in a ground fire that destroyed the balloon envelope.

Full Narrative

On February 6, 1999, at 1700 Eastern Standard Time, N32877, an AX-8 hot-air balloon manufactured by The Balloon Works, burst into flames and burned after landing near Beech Island, South Carolina. The balloon was operated by the pilot/owner under the provisions of Title 14 CFR 91, and visual flight rules. A flight plan was not filed for the local pleasure flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers and the balloon was destroyed. The flight originated in Augusta, Georgia, about 1600 EST. According to the pilot, after landing, he turned off the pilot light valves on the tanks but not on the burners. The pilot then started deflating the balloon and laid the basket over on its side. According to the pilot, while exiting the basket, he attempted to turn off the burner but bumped the main burner valve. The flames from the burner ignited the balloon envelope, and started a ground fire. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the pilot. The Balloon Works Firefly Series Flight Manual states that, "Just prior to touchdown: (1) Make sure that the Trigger Valve (and/or Fire 2 Valve if in use) is firmly closed, (2) Close the Pilot Light Safety Shut Off. Action (2) is a precaution against possibility that the pilot lights or accidental burning might damage the envelope or ignite anything at the landing site." (See attached balloon flight manual).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBalloon Works AX-8
Tail NumberN32877
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data