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NTSB Report
March 28, 2018 · Ultramagic Sa N 300 NO Series · N64EX
Cave Creek, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 28, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (13 uninjured)
Location
Cave Creek, AZ
Aircraft
Ultramagic Sa N 300 NO Series (2016)
Tail Number
N64EX
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
GAA18CA185
The pilot reported that, during landing, the balloon came to rest pressing against a small tree. He added that when he applied heat to the envelope to reposition the balloon for deflation, a small hole appeared in the fabric and a small tree branch protruded into the envelope. Upon adding the heat, the tree branch inside the envelope caught fire causing the envelope fabric to catch fire. The passengers exited the basket, two fire extinguishers were deployed in an attempt to extinguish the fire, but the basket and envelope were consumed by the fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The balloon pilot’s decision to add heat to the envelope with a tree branch protruding into the envelope that caught fire.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during landing, the balloon came to rest pressing against a small tree. He added that when he applied heat to the envelope to reposition the balloon for deflation, a small hole appeared in the fabric and a small tree branch protruded into the envelope. Upon adding the heat, the tree branch inside the envelope caught fire causing the envelope fabric to catch fire. The passengers exited the basket, two fire extinguishers were deployed in an attempt to extinguish the fire, but the basket and envelope were consumed by the fire. 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 Time08:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftUltramagic Sa N 300 NO Series
Tail NumberN64EX
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeNone
Engine DetailsNone
Seats0
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (13 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured13
Total13
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 19 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC