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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 1, 2019 · Cameron A-400 No Series · N6954Y

Yountville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 1, 2019
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries), 19 uninjured
Location
Yountville, CA
Aircraft
Cameron A-400 No Series (2017)
Tail Number
N6954Y
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
WPR19LA104

During cruise flight, the balloon encountered a sudden downdraft. The pilot arrested the descent to level flight, but not in time to prevent the bottom of the basket from contacting nearby power lines. The pilot subsequently landed the balloon without further incident. One passenger sustained serious injuries. 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 pilot’s inability to maintain obstacle clearance after the balloon’s encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a collision with power lines.

Full Narrative

On April 1, 2019, about 0757 Pacific daylight time, a Cameron Balloons US, A-400 hot air balloon, N6954YA, was not damaged when it was involved in an accident near Napa, California. The pilot and 18 passengers were not injured, one passenger sustained serious injuries 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, about 10 minutes into the flight, and about 500 ft, the wind changed direction and the balloon entered a downdraft. The pilot added heat to compensate for the descent and level flight was established. The balloon’s basket subsequently contacted a power line. After the pilot attained a slow ascent, the power line released from the basket, and the pilot immediately landed the balloon in a field without further incident. 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 Time07:57 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron A-400 No Series
Tail NumberN6954Y
Aircraft CategoryBall
Operating RulePart 91

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries), 19 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor2
Uninjured19
Total22
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 48
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time14:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data