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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

September 5, 1993 · Cameron V-77 · N2021A

Truckee, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Truckee, CA
Aircraft
Cameron V-77
Tail Number
N2021A
Operator
George F Denny
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA347

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND THE BALLOON WITH HIS PASSENGER. ABOUT 20 TO 30 FEET IN THE AIR HE EXPERIENCED LIFT AND ACCELERATION TO THE EAST. THE BALLOON THEN COLLIDED WITH A PINE TREE AT ABOUT 60 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL WHILE GAINING ALTITUDE. NINETY OF THE 144 PANELS COMPRISING THE ENVELOPE WERE DAMAGED. THE BALLOON SLID DOWN THE PINE TREE TO WITHIN ABOUT TEN FEET OF THE GROUND.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the landing approach.

Full Narrative

On September 5, 1993, about 0840 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cameron V77 balloon, N2021A, operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged after colliding with a pine tree while maneuvering to land near the stampede reservoir. Neither the commercial balloon pilot nor his passenger was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The origin point and time of the flight are undetermined. The pilot stated to an FAA inspector from the Reno Flight Standards District Office that at approximately 20 to 30 feet above the ground he encountered lift and acceleration to the east. The balloon then collided with a pine tree at about 60 feet in the air and ripped the envelope while gaining altitude. It then slid down the pine tree stopping about ten feet above the ground. The pilot also stated that 90 of the 144 panels of the balloon were damaged. An NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form, was sent by certified mail to the pilot. After three attempts to deliver the mail, it was returned by the Post Office as undeliverable.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:40 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron V-77
Tail NumberN2021A
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGeorge F Denny
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data