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NTSB Report
July 6, 1992 · Avian Balloon Magnum IX · N1613B
Driggs, ID
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (6 uninjured)
Location
Driggs, ID
Aircraft
Avian Balloon Magnum IX
Tail Number
N1613B
Operator
W G E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA92LA145
WHILE EXECUTING A LANDING IN A FIELD THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF THE PART 91 BALLOON FLIGHT DESCENDED TO 60 FEET AGL IN THE VICINITY OF ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES. JUST BEFORE CROSSING THE LINES THE BALLOON SUDDENLY DESCENDED TO 30 AGL FEET. THE PILOT IN COMMAND ELECTED TO STRIKE THE WIRES AS HE BELIEVED THAT AN ASCENT OVER THE WIRES WAS NOT POSSIBLE. DURING THE WIRE STRIKE AND LANDING, A FIRE DEVELOPED WHICH CONSUMED BOTH THE BALLOON AND GONDOLA.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO INSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: WEATHER CONDITION (DOWNDRAFT) AND OBJECT (TRANSMISSION WIRES).
Full Narrative
WHILE EXECUTING A LANDING IN A FIELD THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF THE PART 91 BALLOON FLIGHT DESCENDED TO 60 FEET AGL IN THE VICINITY OF ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES. JUST BEFORE CROSSING THE LINES THE BALLOON SUDDENLY DESCENDED TO 30 AGL FEET. THE PILOT IN COMMAND ELECTED TO STRIKE THE WIRES AS HE BELIEVED THAT AN ASCENT OVER THE WIRES WAS NOT POSSIBLE. DURING THE WIRE STRIKE AND LANDING, A FIRE DEVELOPED WHICH CONSUMED BOTH THE BALLOON AND GONDOLA.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:35 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAvian Balloon Magnum IX
Tail NumberN1613B
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageDestroyed
OperatorW G E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (6 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured6
Total6
Crew 1Age 63 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 14 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:49
Weather SourceWFAC