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June 7, 2012 · Cameron Balloons Z-90 · N401DJ

Sellersburg, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 7, 2012
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Sellersburg, IN
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons Z-90
Tail Number
N401DJ
Operator
Dallas I Beall Iii
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
CEN12CA347

Passengers in the balloon reported that the balloon initially landed in an unmowed field that wasn't easily accessible by ground vehicles. They reported that the pilot decided to move the balloon to an adjacent field. The passengers noted that there was a fence and power lines that had to be crossed to get to the field. There were 3 lines on the power line poles, 2 of which were thinner and not as visible. The passengers reported that the balloon was traveling into the setting sun and that they believed the pilot only saw the lower, more visible power line. The passengers reported that when the balloon struck the power line a large arc ensued, and the pilot was thrown rearward into one of the passengers. The pilot was unconscious, and the passengers were able to deflate the balloon with verbal assistance from the ground crew. The pilot reported that he has no memory of the accident after the initial landing. Postaccident inspection of the balloon revealed no preimpact defects and minor damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

Passengers in the balloon reported that the balloon initially landed in an "unmowed field" that wasn't easily accessible by ground vehicles. They reported that the pilot decided to move the balloon to an adjacent field. The passengers noted that there was a fence and power lines that had to be crossed to get to the adjacent field. There were 3 lines on the poles and 2 were thinner and not as visible. The passengers reported that the balloon was traveling into the setting sun and they believe the pilot only saw the lower more visible power line. The passengers reported that when the balloon struck the power line a large arc ensued and the pilot was thrown rearward into one of the passengers. The pilot was unconscious at this time and the passengers were able to deflate the balloon with verbal assistance from the ground crew. The pilot reported that he has no memory of the accident after the initial landing. Postaccident inspection of the balloon revealed no preimpact defects and minor damage. The pilot received serious injuries and one passenger received minor injuries.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:50 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron Balloons Z-90
Tail NumberN401DJ
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageMinor
OperatorDallas I Beall Iii
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 65 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data