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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

April 16, 1994 · Aerostar RX-7 · N6408F

Augusta, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 16, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Augusta, KS
Aircraft
Aerostar RX-7
Tail Number
N6408F
Operator
Deal Karen K
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
CHI94LA132

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT'S STATEMENT, AFTER PRACTICING THREE TOUCH AND GO LANDINGS, SHE PICKED UP A PASSENGER FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE FLIGHT. THE PILOT INSTRUCTED THE PASSENGER TO BRACE HIMSELF AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO DO ANOTHER TOUCH AND GO LANDING. AFTER VENTING THE BALLOON TO DESCEND, THE PILOT DID A SHORT BURN AND THE BALLOON BOUNCED HARD WHILE LANDING.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE IMPROPER TOUCHDOWN PERFORMED BY THE BALLOON PILOT.

Full Narrative

On April 16, 1994, approximately 0945 central daylight time, an Aerostar International RX-7 balloon, N6408F, touched down abruptly while practicing landings in a farm field near Augusta, Kansas. The pilot reported no injuries, the passenger received serious injuries. The balloon was not damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Derby, Kansas, exact time unknown. According to the pilot's statement, after practicing three solo touch and go landings, she picked up a passenger for the continuation of the flight. The pilot completed one successful touch and go landing with the passenger aboard, then chose a landing spot two miles downwind. She stated as they neared the selected landing site, she realized it was not very accessible for the chase crew. She radioed instructions to the chase crew for an alternate landing site, and prepared to perform another touch and go landing. The pilot instructed the passenger to brace himself in preparation for the touch and go landing. After venting the balloon to descend, the pilot did a short burn and the balloon bounced while landing. The passenger's ankle was fractured.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerostar RX-7
Tail NumberN6408F
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorDeal Karen K
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 34 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:48
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data