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NTSB Report

June 18, 2011 · Head Balloons AX8-88 · N8190V

Summerdale, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Summerdale, AL
Aircraft
Head Balloons AX8-88
Tail Number
N8190V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA353

The pilot of the balloon reported that he elected to land in a large field after the wind speed increased during the flight. During the approach the pilot aligned the gondola to scrape along the top of a tree line adjacent to the intended landing field. He stated that, in ballooning, it is a common practice to scrape against the tops of trees on approach. The pilot allowed the balloon to descend too low during the maneuver and the balloon's "red line" became tangled in the trees which caused the envelope to deflate. The balloon then caught fire and the gondola settled to the ground as the pilot turned off the fuel. Both he and the passenger egressed the gondola safely before fire consumed the gondola.

NTSB Probable Cause

The balloon pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude/clearance from a tree line during the landing approach.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the balloon elected to land in a large field after the wind speed increased during the flight. During the approach, the pilot aligned the gondola to scrape along the top of a tree line adjacent to the intended landing field. He stated that, in ballooning, it is a common practice to scrape against the tops of trees on approach. The pilot stated that he got too low during the maneuver and the balloon's "red line" became tangled in the trees which caused the envelope to deflate. The balloon then caught fire and the gondola settled to the ground as the pilot turned off the fuel. Both he and the passenger egressed the gondola safely before fire consumed the gondola.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHead Balloons AX8-88
Tail NumberN8190V
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time13:15
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data