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April 10, 2012 · Avian Balloon Magnum IX · N2037U

Sedona, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 10, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (14 uninjured)
Location
Sedona, AZ
Aircraft
Avian Balloon Magnum IX
Tail Number
N2037U
Operator
Northern Light Balloon Expeditions
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA163

Two balloons were on approach to land and collided into each other. Balloon A, N2037U, was at a lower altitude and in front of balloon B, N20513. As the pilots were descending to land, balloon A began to slow about 10 feet above ground level and the pilot of balloon B realized that the balloons' envelopes might touch, which he noted was not uncommon during takeoffs and landings. As balloon A came closer into his view, he thought the contact may push it into the ground, so he decided to ascend. During the climb, the basket of balloon B collided with the envelope of balloon A, tearing two of its panels just above the equator, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot of balloon B landed his balloon without further incident. The pilot of balloon A observed the envelope tearing and opened both burners. His balloon contacted the ground and bounced, momentarily becoming airborne again before touching down. Both pilots stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloons that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot of another balloon did not maintain adequate clearance during approach for landing between his basket and the envelope of this balloon that was also on approach, which resulted in a midair collision.

Full Narrative

The pilot flying balloon N2037U stated that he was making an approach to land when he noticed balloon N20513 behind him making an approach as well. He heard the envelope of his balloon tearing and observed the basket of N20513 ripping the material. The pilot opened both burners and instructed the passengers to brace themselves during touchdown. N2037U contacted the ground and bounced, momentarily becoming airborne again before touching down. The pilot flying balloon N20513 stated that he was making an approach to land and observed balloon N2037U landing ahead of his position. He noticed N2037U began to slow as it was descending through about 10 feet above ground level. He realized that the balloons' envelopes may touch, which he noted was not uncommon during takeoffs and landings. As N2037U came closer into his view, he thought the contact may push it into the ground and decided to ascend. During the climb, the basket of his balloon collided with the envelope of N2037U, tearing two of its panels. He landed his balloon without further incident. The pilot of N20513 stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had maintained the same altitude as N2037U. Both pilots stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloons that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 MST
Nearest AirportSedona Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAvian Balloon Magnum IX
Tail NumberN2037U
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNorthern Light Balloon Expeditions
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (14 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured14
Total14
Crew 1Age 58 · None · None
Crew 2Age 59 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data