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NTSB Report
October 7, 1990 · Balloon Works AX9 · N90240
Cedar Crest, NM
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 7, 1990
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (5 minor injuries)
Location
Cedar Crest, NM
Aircraft
Balloon Works AX9
Tail Number
N90240
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN91LA007
A BALLOON FLIGHT OVER THE CITY RESULTED IN THE BALLOON BEING CARRIED OVER THE SANDIA MOUNTAINS. THE PILOT SAID HE ENCOUNTERED WORSE WINDS AFTER CROSSING THE MOUNTAINS, AND ESTIMATED THE WINDS WERE 090 DEGREES AT 24, GUSTING TO 40 KNOTS. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A HIGH WIND LANDING AND STRUCK SEVERAL TREES. THE ENVELOPE, GONDOLA, AND SUSPENSION LINES WERE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED, AND THE OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. THE PILOT FAILED TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT UNTIL THE FAA CONTACTED HIM. THE INVESTIGATION SHOWED THE BALLOON HAD NO FUEL LEFT TO CLIMB OR MANEUVER, MAKING THE HIGH WIND LANDING THE ONLY OPTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT'S DELAYED PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AND THE SUBSEUQENT FUEL EXHAUSTION. A FACTOR WAS THE ENCOUNTER WITH HIGH WINDS IN FLIGHT.
Full Narrative
A BALLOON FLIGHT OVER THE CITY RESULTED IN THE BALLOON BEING CARRIED OVER THE SANDIA MOUNTAINS. THE PILOT SAID HE ENCOUNTERED WORSE WINDS AFTER CROSSING THE MOUNTAINS, AND ESTIMATED THE WINDS WERE 090 DEGREES AT 24, GUSTING TO 40 KNOTS. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A HIGH WIND LANDING AND STRUCK SEVERAL TREES. THE ENVELOPE, GONDOLA, AND SUSPENSION LINES WERE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED, AND THE OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. THE PILOT FAILED TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT UNTIL THE FAA CONTACTED HIM. THE INVESTIGATION SHOWED THE BALLOON HAD NO FUEL LEFT TO CLIMB OR MANEUVER, MAKING THE HIGH WIND LANDING THE ONLY OPTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:05 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBalloon Works AX9
Tail NumberN90240
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats0
People & Injuries
Injury Summary5 injuries (5 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor5
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 24 kt, gusting 40 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:52
Weather SourcePILO