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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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July 1, 1994 · Cameron V-77 · N748CB

Littleton, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Littleton, CO
Aircraft
Cameron V-77
Tail Number
N748CB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW94LA219

SHORTLY AFTER LIFTING OFF, THE PILOT LIGHT ON THE BALLOON'S PROPANE BURNER EXTINGUISHED FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, AND ATTEMPTS TO RELIGHT IT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. BECAUSE THE BALLOON WAS DESCENDING NEAR POWERLINES, THE PILOT 'VENTED' IN ORDER TO RAPIDLY LOSE ALTITUDE. THE BALLOON TOUCHED DOWN ON A HIGHWAY, BOUNCED BACK UP, AND THE ENVELOPE CONTACTED POWERLINES, BURNING SEVERAL ENVELOPE PANELS.

NTSB Probable Cause

A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE BALLOON'S HEATER SYSTEM (PILOT LIGHT) FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ON WHICH TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On July 1, 1994, approximately 0730 mountain daylight time, N748CB, a Cameron Balloons V-77, was substantially damaged when it collided with powerlines in Littleton, Colorado. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The following is based on the pilot/operator report. Shortly after lifting off, the pilot light on the propane burner extinguished for undetermined reasons, and attempts to relight it were unsuccessful. Because the balloon was descending near powerlines, the pilot "vented" in order to rapidly lose altitude. The balloon touched down on a highway, bounced back up, and the envelope contacted powerlines about 20 feet above the basket. Several envelope panels were damaged by electrical arcing and there was a small grass fire.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron V-77
Tail NumberN748CB
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 5 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data