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NTSB Report
October 30, 2005 · Cameron Balloons O-90 · N4066X
Bethlehem Twp., NJ
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 30, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Location
Bethlehem Twp., NJ
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons O-90
Tail Number
N4066X
Operator
John a Long
Injuries
None
NTSB Number
NYC06CA022
A ground crewmember was assisting in the inflation and launch of a hot air balloon. Just prior to lift-off, as the pilot was adding heat for the climb out, the crewmember became entangled in the two vent lines that were draped outside of the balloon's basket. When the balloon lifted off, the crewmember was lifted approximately 75 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted to lose altitude by venting hot air from the envelope, but was unable, as both vent lines were wrapped about the crewmember's right ankle. The pilot then attempted to get the crewmember closer to the ground by aiming at a small tree. The balloon struck the tree at a downward angle, the crewman became untangled, fell through a barn roof, and sustained serious injuries.
NTSB Probable Cause
The ground crewmember's inadvertent entanglement in the balloon's vent lines.
Full Narrative
A ground crewmember was assisting in the inflation and launch of a hot air balloon. Just prior to lift-off, as the pilot was adding heat for the climb out, the crewmember became entangled in the two vent lines that were draped outside of the balloon's basket. When the balloon lifted off, she was lifted approximately 75 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted to lose altitude by venting hot air from the envelope, but was unable, as both vent lines were wrapped about the crewmember's right ankle. The pilot then attempted to get the crewmember closer to the ground by aiming at a small tree. The balloon struck the tree at a downward angle, the crewman became untangled, fell through a barn roof, and sustained serious injuries.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCameron Balloons O-90
Tail NumberN4066X
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorJohn a Long
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats0
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · None · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 36 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time15:51
Weather SourceWFAC