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NTSB Report
November 17, 2014 · Ultramagic N-250 · N59EX
Wittman, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 17, 2014
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries), 9 uninjured
Location
Wittman, AZ
Aircraft
Ultramagic N-250
Tail Number
N59EX
Operator
Hot Air Expeditions
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR15CA044
The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to take the 11 passengers on a hot-air balloon sightseeing tour. The pilot reviewed the weather forecast for the day which disclosed that wind speeds would be less than 8 mph. The morning departure occurred in calm wind conditions and the pilot maneuvered the balloon for about 30 to 40 minutes before he noticed the wind was becoming stronger. As he descended to land, he noted that the wind was reaching 15 to 20 mph. In an effort to make a quick stop, he attempted to activate the rapid deflation valve, which was slower than he expected. The balloon subsequently collided with a tree which resulted in substantial damage to the basket.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the balloon when the wind unexpectedly increased which resulted in a collision with trees during the landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to take the 11 passengers on a hot-air balloon sightseeing tour. The pilot reviewed the weather forecast for the day which disclosed that wind speeds would be less than 8 mph. The morning departure occurred in calm wind conditions and the pilot maneuvered the balloon for about 30 to 40 minutes before he noticed the wind was becoming stronger. As he descended to land, he noted that the wind was reaching 15 to 20 mph. In an effort to make a quick stop, he attempted to activate the rapid deflation valve, which was slower than he expected. The balloon subsequently collided with a tree which resulted in substantial damage to the basket.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftUltramagic N-250
Tail NumberN59EX
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHot Air Expeditions
Operating RulePart 91
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries), 9 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor2
Uninjured9
Total12
Crew 1Age 57 · None · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 13 kt, gusting 18 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO