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NTSB Report
June 13, 1992 · Fantasy Sky Promotions AX-7 · N5355M
Rio Rancho, NM
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 13, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 unknown outcome
Location
Rio Rancho, NM
Aircraft
Fantasy Sky Promotions AX-7
Tail Number
N5355M
Operator
David W Schuetz
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
FTW92DQA02
THE BALLOON EXPERIENCED A FLASH FIRE DURING INFLATION PRIOR TO TETHERED FLIGHT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE PILOT HAD REMOVED TWO OF THE FOUR FUEL TANKS PRIOR TO THE OPERATION. IT WAS ALSO DETERMINED THAT ONE OF THE SECONDARY FUEL LINES WAS LOOSE AND LAYING UNCAPPED IN THE BOTTOM OF THE BASKET AND THE SECONDARY BLAST VALVE WAS FOUND LOCKED IN THE OPEN POSITION. A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE FUEL SYSTEM, USING INERT GAS, REVEALED THAT WITH THE SECONDARY VALVE LOCKED OPEN, FUEL WOULD VENT OUT OF THE LOOSE LINE WHEN THE PRIMARY BLAST VALVE WAS ACTIVATED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INSPECTION OF THE BALLOON FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF TWO OF THE FUEL TANKS WHICH RESULTED IN VENTED FUEL DUE TO A FUEL LINE BEING LEFT LOOSE AND A FUEL VALVE LOCKED OPEN.
Full Narrative
THE BALLOON EXPERIENCED A FLASH FIRE DURING INFLATION PRIOR TO TETHERED FLIGHT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE PILOT HAD REMOVED TWO OF THE FOUR FUEL TANKS PRIOR TO THE OPERATION. IT WAS ALSO DETERMINED THAT ONE OF THE SECONDARY FUEL LINES WAS LOOSE AND LAYING UNCAPPED IN THE BOTTOM OF THE BASKET AND THE SECONDARY BLAST VALVE WAS FOUND LOCKED IN THE OPEN POSITION. A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE FUEL SYSTEM, USING INERT GAS, REVEALED THAT WITH THE SECONDARY VALVE LOCKED OPEN, FUEL WOULD VENT OUT OF THE LOOSE LINE WHEN THE PRIMARY BLAST VALVE WAS ACTIVATED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftFantasy Sky Promotions AX-7
Tail NumberN5355M
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageMinor
OperatorDavid W Schuetz
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 unknown outcome
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 5 kt, gusting 8 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO