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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 18, 2009 · Aerostar International Raven S49A · N6378E

Tracy, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 18, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Tracy, CA
Aircraft
Aerostar International Raven S49A
Tail Number
N6378E
Operator
Lester David V
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
WPR09CA207

The pilot reported that while approaching an open field for landing, the balloon suddenly slowed down. Shortly after, he noticed that the balloon had contacted power line wires and that the lines were traveling down the side of the balloon's envelope and uprights and trapped his passenger against the basket. The pilot stated that the passenger was able to free herself as he was able to kick the wires from the corner of the basket. The balloon subsequently ascended about 200 feet. The pilot proceeded to initiate a landing in the nearest open field and landed without further incident. The pilot further reported that neither he nor his passenger saw the power lines prior to impact. Examination of the hot air balloon revealed that the envelope and basket sustained minor damage; however, the passenger sustained serious injuries.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Ability to respond/compensate - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that while approaching an open field for landing, the balloon suddenly slowed down. Shortly after, he noticed that the balloon had contacted power line wires, and the lines were traveling down the side of the balloons envelope and uprights and trapped his passenger against the basket. The pilot stated that the passenger was able to free herself as he was able to kick the wires from the corner of the basket. The balloon subsequently ascended about 200 feet. The pilot proceeded to initiate a landing in the nearest open field and landed without further incident. The pilot further reported that neither he nor his passenger saw the power lines prior to the balloon impacting them. Examination of the hot air balloon revealed that the envelope and basket sustained minor damage; however, the passenger sustained serious injuries.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerostar International Raven S49A
Tail NumberN6378E
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageMinor
OperatorLester David V
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 48
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data