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NTSB Report

May 23, 2004 · Cameron Balloons N90 · N6123U

Whately, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 23, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 4 uninjured
Location
Whately, MA
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons N90
Tail Number
N6123U
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
NYC04CA128

The surface winds were very light when the balloon tookoff; however, the wind velocity increased during the flight. Due to the increased wind velocity, the pilot chose an open field to land the balloon. During the approach, windshear drove the balloon into trees. The balloon then became entangled in trees about 10 feet agl. A tree limb subsequently broke, and the balloon fell to the ground. The reported weather about the time of the accident included variable winds at 4-6 knots, with thunderstorm activity in the area.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees. A factor was windshear.

Full Narrative

On May 23, 2004, about 1900 eastern daylight time, a Cameron Balloons N90, N6123U, sustained minor damage while landing in Whately, Massachusetts. The certificated commercial pilot and three passengers were not injured, while one passenger sustained a serious injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Conway, Massachusetts, about 1800. No flight plan was filed for the sightseeing flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that the surface winds were very light during takeoff; however, the wind velocity increased during the flight. Due to the increased wind velocity, the pilot located an open field to land the balloon. During the approach, windshear drove the balloon into trees. The balloon then became entangled in trees about 10 feet agl. A tree limb subsequently broke, and the balloon fell to the ground. During the fall, a passenger suffered a fractured leg. The reported weather at an airport approximately 20 miles south of the accident site, at 1853, was: wind variable at 4 knots; ceiling 4,900 feet overcast; temperature 73 degrees F; dew point 66 degrees F; altimeter 29.83 inches Hg; remark lightning in the distance to the south and southwest. The reported weather at an airport approximately 20 miles northeast of the accident site, at 1852, was: wind variable at 6 knots; ceiling 11,000 feet overcast; temperature 68 degrees F; dew point 60 degrees F; altimeter 29.88 inches Hg.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron Balloons N90
Tail NumberN6123U
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 4 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total5
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data