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NTSB Report
August 8, 1989 · Balloon Works FIREFLY-7 · N2210H
Indianola, IA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 8, 1989
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Indianola, IA
Aircraft
Balloon Works FIREFLY-7
Tail Number
N2210H
Operator
Reinert Michael P
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC89LA175
THE PLT SAID THE ACDNT OCCURRED WHILE HE WAS PARTICIPATING IN 'THE NATIONAL CLASSICS' WITH OTHER HOT AIR BALLOONISTS. HE STATED THAT WHILE ASCENDING, THE BALLOON ENCOUNTERED WIND SHEAR THAT TOOK IT OFF COURSE TOWARD A TALL TV TOWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE BALLOON COLLIDED WITH THE TOWER AT ABOUT THE 190 FT LEVEL, THEN IT DESCENDED UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE GROUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TV TOWER DUE TO IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. UNFAVORABLE WIND/WINDSHEAR AND THE TALL TOWER WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
Full Narrative
THE PLT SAID THE ACDNT OCCURRED WHILE HE WAS PARTICIPATING IN 'THE NATIONAL CLASSICS' WITH OTHER HOT AIR BALLOONISTS. HE STATED THAT WHILE ASCENDING, THE BALLOON ENCOUNTERED WIND SHEAR THAT TOOK IT OFF COURSE TOWARD A TALL TV TOWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE BALLOON COLLIDED WITH THE TOWER AT ABOUT THE 190 FT LEVEL, THEN IT DESCENDED UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBalloon Works FIREFLY-7
Tail NumberN2210H
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorReinert Michael P
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 37 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:50
Weather SourceWFAC