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May 23, 1999 · Balloon Works FIREFLY-7 · N9070T

Gasburg, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 23, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Gasburg, VA
Aircraft
Balloon Works FIREFLY-7
Tail Number
N9070T
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
NYC99LA118

The hot air balloon launched under light wind conditions. As the balloon was approaching the first steerage, at about 50 feet above the ground, the pilot had to climb the balloon to 300 feet to complete the turn. During the climb, a windshear flattened out one side of the balloon, re-inflating a moment later, violently shaking the entire aircraft. The pilot decided to abort the flight. A hay field was spotted about 4 miles ahead of the balloon. As the balloon neared the ground, the winds continued to blow, and the basket collided with a hay bail, at a speed of about 15 knots. After impacting the hay bail, the basket touched down, dragged along the ground, and rolled over. The balloon then collapsed completely to the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

The unforecast high winds that required the pilot in command to make a precautionary landing.

Full Narrative

On May 23, 1999, about 0810 Eastern Daylight Time, a Balloon Works, Firefly-7, N9070T, was not damaged while landing in a field, near Gasburg, Virginia. The certificated pilot and one passenger were not injured. A second passenger was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was a participant in a hot air balloon race. A weather briefer was present for the race, and had launched a 12-inch helium weather balloon. The pilot was present with the weather briefer when the weather balloon was launched, and they observed the surface wind from 210 degrees at less than 5 knots, with no significant wind shifts up through 800 feet. The hot air balloon launched under light wind conditions, about 0745. As the balloon was approaching the first steerage, at about 50 feet above the ground, the pilot had to climb the balloon to 300 feet to complete the turn. During the climb, a windshear flattened out one side of the balloon, re-inflating a moment later, violently shaking the entire balloon. The pilot decided to abort the race, and informed the passenger that they would be landing in the first available field. A hay field was spotted about 4 miles ahead of the balloon, and the pilot maneuvered to it. The field was several hundred yards long, with power lines on the far end. Several other balloons had used the field to land, due to encountering the same type of winds. As the balloon neared the ground, the winds continued to blow, and the basket collided with a hay bail, at a speed of about 15 knots. Event officials, who were on the ground, and witnessed the accident, estimated the speed of the balloon at 20 knots. After impacting the hay bail, the basket touched down, dragged along the ground, and rolled over. The balloon then collapsed completely to the ground. An airport located 10 miles to the northwest, reported, clear skies, winds from 210 degrees at 6 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:10 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBalloon Works FIREFLY-7
Tail NumberN9070T
Aircraft CategoryBall
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 50 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 6 kt
Visibility2.5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time11:01
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data