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NTSB Report
July 26, 1987 · Raven S77A · N43995
Tucson, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 1987
Injury Outcomes
7 injuries (3 serious injuries, 4 minor injuries)
Location
Tucson, AZ
Aircraft
Raven S77A
Tail Number
N43995
Operator
Fendler Joseph
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX87LA284
DURING A LOCAL SIGHTSEEING BALLOON FLIGHT, THE PLT WAS MAKING A LANDING AT AN OPEN CONSTRUCTION SITE. THE GONDOLA TOUCHED DOWN THEN SKIPPED THREE TIMES AND CAME TO REST ON THE EDGE OF A LEDGE APRX 10 FT IN HEIGHT. THE BALLOON TIPPED OVER THE EDGE AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN AND MISC CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS BELOW. THE INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANTS WERE SUSTAINED FROM THE FALL OFF THE LEDGE WHEN THE BALLOON TIPPED OVER. THE PLTS FLT TIME WAS NOT AVAILABLE EXCEPT 1176 HRS REPORTED AS LIGHTER THAN AIR.
Full Narrative
DURING A LOCAL SIGHTSEEING BALLOON FLIGHT, THE PLT WAS MAKING A LANDING AT AN OPEN CONSTRUCTION SITE. THE GONDOLA TOUCHED DOWN THEN SKIPPED THREE TIMES AND CAME TO REST ON THE EDGE OF A LEDGE APRX 10 FT IN HEIGHT. THE BALLOON TIPPED OVER THE EDGE AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN AND MISC CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS BELOW. THE INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANTS WERE SUSTAINED FROM THE FALL OFF THE LEDGE WHEN THE BALLOON TIPPED OVER. THE PLTS FLT TIME WAS NOT AVAILABLE EXCEPT 1176 HRS REPORTED AS LIGHTER THAN AIR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRaven S77A
Tail NumberN43995
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFendler Joseph
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
People & Injuries
Injury Summary7 injuries (3 serious injuries, 4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious3
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total7
Crew 1Age 42 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 9 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC