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NTSB Report
July 14, 1991 · Aerostar S57-A · N57053
Avon, CO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 14, 1991
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Avon, CO
Aircraft
Aerostar S57-A
Tail Number
N57053
Operator
Roland L & Ruth B Elkins
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN91LA100
THE BALLOON PILOT WAS LOOKING FOR A SUITABLE PLACE TO LAND. HIS ATTENTION WAS DIVERTED BY PERSONS ON THE GROUND AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE CHASE CREW. WHEN HE LOOKED UP, HE SAW POWERLINES DIRECTLY AHEAD. HE PULLED THE DEFLATION LINE AND TOLD HIS PASSENGERS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE BASKET. THE BALLOON CONTACTED THE POWERLINES, IGNITING SKIRT PANELS AND DRIPPING MELTED FABRIC ON THE OCCUPANTS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A VISUAL LOOKOUT. A FACTOR WAS: THE PILOT'S ATTENTION BEING DIVERTED.
Full Narrative
THE BALLOON PILOT WAS LOOKING FOR A SUITABLE PLACE TO LAND. HIS ATTENTION WAS DIVERTED BY PERSONS ON THE GROUND AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE CHASE CREW. WHEN HE LOOKED UP, HE SAW POWERLINES DIRECTLY AHEAD. HE PULLED THE DEFLATION LINE AND TOLD HIS PASSENGERS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE BASKET. THE BALLOON CONTACTED THE POWERLINES, IGNITING SKIRT PANELS AND DRIPPING MELTED FABRIC ON THE OCCUPANTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionIflt
Aircraft
AircraftAerostar S57-A
Tail NumberN57053
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRoland L & Ruth B Elkins
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats0
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 45 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 43 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT