Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

April 22, 2017 · Balony Kubicek Spol Sro BB70Z 60 · N245DK

Park City, UT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (9 uninjured)
Location
Park City, UT
Aircraft
Balony Kubicek Spol Sro BB70Z 60 (2011)
Tail Number
N245DK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA262

The pilot reported that the wind shifted before departure and that, although this would result in the balloon travelling to an area with "limited landing opportunities," he chose to continue the departure. During landing, the balloon descended to about 20 to 30 ft above the ground, and the landing area was on a hillside that had a commercial building on the top and that, at the base of the hill, was a short pole with guy wires. He did not see any other poles, so he "focused" on the intended landing site. As the balloon approached the landing site, a passenger asked, "if we would hit that power line?" He looked up and saw two power lines above and forward of the balloon's path, and he immediately vented the balloon to land and stop its forward progress. The balloon collided with the power lines and settled to the ground. The balloon sustained substantial damage to 3 of its 24 cables that attach the envelope to the basket. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the wind shifted before departure and the balloon would travel to an area with "limited landing opportunities", but he elected to continue the departure. During landing, the balloon descended to approximately 20-30 ft. above the ground, and the landing area was on a dry hillside just past a wetland. He added that the hillside had a commercial building on the top, and at the base of the hill was a short pole with guy-wires. He did not see any other poles, so he "focused" on the intended landing site. As the balloon approached the landing site, a passenger asked, "if we would hit that powerline?" He looked up and saw two powerlines above and forward of the balloon's path, and he immediately vented the balloon to land and stop their forward progress. The balloon collided with the powerlines and settled to the ground. The balloon sustained substantial damage to 3 of its 24 cables that attach the envelope to the basket. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:40 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBalony Kubicek Spol Sro BB70Z 60
Tail NumberN245DK
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeNone
Engine DetailsNone

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (9 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured9
Total9
Crew 1Age 55 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 30 C
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time14:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data