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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 7, 1984 · Balloon Works FIRE FLY 7 · N3749W

Moorpark, CA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 7, 1984
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (5 serious injuries)
Location
Moorpark, CA
Aircraft
Balloon Works FIRE FLY 7
Tail Number
N3749W
Operator
High Times Hot Air Bal
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX84LA252

THE PLT REPORTED THAT AFTER COMPLETING THE 2ND FLT OF THE MORNING, HE CHANGED THE FUEL TANK & ACQUIRED NEW PASSENGERS. HE STATED THAT DURING THE 1ST 2 FLTS, THE BALLOON HAD NOT DRIFTED MORE THAN 100 YDS FROM ITS POINT OF LIFT-OFF. AS THE BALLOON ASCENDED ON THE 3RD FLT, THE WIND CONDITION CHANGED. AT ABOUT 10 FT AGL, IT BEGAN DRIFTING TOWARD NEARBY POWER LINES. AS SOON AS THE PLT REALIZED THE BALLOON WOULD NOT CLEAR THE LINES, HE GRABBED THE VENT ROPE TO RIP THE TOP; HOWEVER, THE BALLOON DRIFTED INTO THE POWER LINES. STEEL CABLES SUSPENDING THE GONDOLA TOUCHED THE POWER LINES & A SHOWER OF SPARKS DEVELOPED. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE SERIOUSLY BURNED WHEN BITS OF HOT METAL CONTACTED THEIR HEADS, NECKS & BACKS.

Full Narrative

THE PLT REPORTED THAT AFTER COMPLETING THE 2ND FLT OF THE MORNING, HE CHANGED THE FUEL TANK & ACQUIRED NEW PASSENGERS. HE STATED THAT DURING THE 1ST 2 FLTS, THE BALLOON HAD NOT DRIFTED MORE THAN 100 YDS FROM ITS POINT OF LIFT-OFF. AS THE BALLOON ASCENDED ON THE 3RD FLT, THE WIND CONDITION CHANGED. AT ABOUT 10 FT AGL, IT BEGAN DRIFTING TOWARD NEARBY POWER LINES. AS SOON AS THE PLT REALIZED THE BALLOON WOULD NOT CLEAR THE LINES, HE GRABBED THE VENT ROPE TO RIP THE TOP; HOWEVER, THE BALLOON DRIFTED INTO THE POWER LINES. STEEL CABLES SUSPENDING THE GONDOLA TOUCHED THE POWER LINES & A SHOWER OF SPARKS DEVELOPED. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE SERIOUSLY BURNED WHEN BITS OF HOT METAL CONTACTED THEIR HEADS, NECKS & BACKS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:58 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBalloon Works FIRE FLY 7
Tail NumberN3749W
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHigh Times Hot Air Bal
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown

People & Injuries

Injury Summary5 injuries (5 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious5
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 32 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind225° @ 5 kt, gusting 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time07:58
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data