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March 24, 2018 · Lindstrand Balloons 105A NO Series · N1517H

Wesley Chapel, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 24, 2018
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Wesley Chapel, FL
Aircraft
Lindstrand Balloons 105A NO Series (2007)
Tail Number
N1517H
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA18LA116

The pilot stated that, as the balloon approached the intended landing site, he saw that the area was roped off. He then decided to proceed to his alternate landing site, which was an adjacent field located behind a shopping center. He began a descent toward the alternate site and saw power lines as he passed over the shopping center. The pilot attempted to climb over the powerlines by activating the burners, but upon realizing that it was too late to climb, he secured the fuel and told his passengers to prepare for a hard landing. The balloon descended into the powerlines, resulting in substantial damage to the cables, throat, and scoop; then landed upright in the field. Recorded weather conditions near the accident site included calm wind. The accident is consistent with the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during landing approach.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines during landing approach, which resulted in an inflight collision with the powerlines.

Full Narrative

On March 24, 2018, about 0845 eastern daylight time, a Lindstrand Balloons 105A, N1517H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Wesley Chapel, Florida. The commercial pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The balloon was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 sightseeing flight. The pilot reported that he was preparing to land, and as the balloon approached the landing site, he saw that the area was roped off. He then decided to land at his alternate landing site, which was an adjacent field located behind a shopping center. He began a descent toward the alternate site and saw power lines as he passed over the stores. The pilot applied the burners in an attempt to climb, but realized that it was too late and that the balloon was going to hit the powerlines. The pilot told the passengers that there would be a hard landing and to, "get down." The pilot secured the fuel at the burners and the tanks. The balloon descended straight down and the pilot heard a "pop" and felt sparks on his shoulders as the balloon hit the powerlines. The basket landed upright, and witnesses came to assist. An examination of the balloon by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the balloon cables, throat, and scoop were damaged during the collision with the powerlines.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLindstrand Balloons 105A NO Series
Tail NumberN1517H
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 62 · None · Minor
Crew 2Minor
Crew 3Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 45 C
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time12:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data