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NTSB Report
July 2, 1983 · Balloon Works FIRE FLY 7 · N1531N
Ellsworth, KS
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 1983
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 serious injuries)
Location
Ellsworth, KS
Aircraft
Balloon Works FIRE FLY 7
Tail Number
N1531N
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC83LA140
THE BALLOON COLLIDED WITH A RADIO TOWER DURING TAKEOFF. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE FROM 180 DEGREES AT 12-18 KTS. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THIS PLT RECEIVED WEATHER BRIEFING. THIS BALLOON WAS LAUNCHED CLOSER TO THE TOWER THAN ANY OF THE OTHER BALLOONS PARTICIPATING IN A RALLY. THE BALLOON WAS LAUNCHED ABOUT 386 FT FROM THE 175 FT TOWER AND DRIFTED INTO IT. WITNESSES STATED THAT THERE WERE NO ATTEMPTS BY THE PLT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF.
Full Narrative
THE BALLOON COLLIDED WITH A RADIO TOWER DURING TAKEOFF. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE FROM 180 DEGREES AT 12-18 KTS. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THIS PLT RECEIVED WEATHER BRIEFING. THIS BALLOON WAS LAUNCHED CLOSER TO THE TOWER THAN ANY OF THE OTHER BALLOONS PARTICIPATING IN A RALLY. THE BALLOON WAS LAUNCHED ABOUT 386 FT FROM THE 175 FT TOWER AND DRIFTED INTO IT. WITNESSES STATED THAT THERE WERE NO ATTEMPTS BY THE PLT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:05 CDT
Nearest Airport1nm S
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBalloon Works FIRE FLY 7
Tail NumberN1531N
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsNone · T3-017 · Unknown
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious3
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 51 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 15 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time11:55
Weather SourceWFAC