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NTSB Report

January 21, 2007 · General Balloon AX-6 · N2447Z

San Martin, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 21, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
San Martin, CA
Aircraft
General Balloon AX-6
Tail Number
N2447Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX07CA094

The hot air balloon collided with power lines during cruise flight. The pilot stated while en route to his destination he was unable to arrest a descent and the wind blew the balloon into the power lines. The skirts and suspension cables were scorched as a result of the contact. He applied sufficient heat in the balloon's envelope and the balloon ascended to about 300 feet above ground level (agl). Shortly thereafter, he performed a landing in an open filed without mishap. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon prior to impact.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from power lines.

Full Narrative

The hot air balloon collided with power lines. The pilot stated while en route to his destination he was unable to arrest a descent, as the balloon's burner performance was less then he had expected. The wind blew the balloon into the power lines. The skirts and suspension cables were scorched as a result of the contact. The pilot applied sufficient heat in the balloon's envelope and the balloon ascended to about 300 feet above ground level (agl). Shortly thereafter, he performed a landing in an open filed without mishap. The pilot estimated the winds were between 5 and 6 knots. The pilot reported that he had amassed a total of 983.3 hours in lighter than air aircraft, of which 28.5 hours were in the same make and model as the accident balloon. He reported that at the time of the accident the temperature was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. He opined that the cold temperature resulted in a decrease in burner performance due to the fuel cooling and less pressure flowing through the burner unit. The tanks on the accident balloon were not equipped with heating elements, although they are on the type certificate. He thought the accident could have been prevented if he had tank heater to warm the burners, or had Supplemental Type Certificated upgraded burner system. The pilot additionally reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon prior to impact.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftGeneral Balloon AX-6
Tail NumberN2447Z
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 6 kt, gusting 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data