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NTSB Report
November 5, 1989 · Cameron V-77 · N1998Y
Tornillo, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 5, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Tornillo, TX
Aircraft
Cameron V-77
Tail Number
N1998Y
Operator
Bartolett Karen Jean
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW90FA024
THE BALLOON WAS DRIFTING TOWARD ELECTRICAL POWER LINES. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO ADD HEAT TO THE ENVELOPE WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE BALLOON SUBSEQUENTLY COLLIDED WITH THE WIRES. AFTER THE COLLISION, A FIRE ERUPTED, BUT THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. IN THE PILOT'S STATEMENT, NO MENTION WAS MADE OF ATTEMPTING TO USE ANY OF THE REQUIRED BACKUP IGNITION SOURCES.
NTSB Probable Cause
MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE IGNITOR SYSTEM, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO USE EMERGENCY BURNER RELIGHT PROCEDURES.
Full Narrative
THE BALLOON WAS DRIFTING TOWARD ELECTRICAL POWER LINES. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO ADD HEAT TO THE ENVELOPE WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE BALLOON SUBSEQUENTLY COLLIDED WITH THE WIRES. AFTER THE COLLISION, A FIRE ERUPTED, BUT THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. IN THE PILOT'S STATEMENT, NO MENTION WAS MADE OF ATTEMPTING TO USE ANY OF THE REQUIRED BACKUP IGNITION SOURCES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:31 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionIflt
Aircraft
AircraftCameron V-77
Tail NumberN1998Y
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBartolett Karen Jean
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind225° @ 5 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO