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NTSB Report
December 14, 2019 · Head AX8 88B · N2224H
Las Cruces, NM
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 14, 2019
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Las Cruces, NM
Aircraft
Head AX8 88B (2006)
Tail Number
N2224H
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR20CA050
The pilot reported that, just after lifting off in the balloon, one of his passengers dropped to the bottom of the basket because he was afraid. After about 15 minutes of trying to get the passenger to relax, the pilot began looking for a place to land the balloon. The balloon was about 75 ft above ground level when the burner flamed out. While trying to relight the burner with a striker, the balloon descended and struck power lines, which severed four of the eight suspension cables attached to the basket. The balloon then impacted a building. According to the pilot, the burner had a history of flameouts, and he had experienced it many times. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
A burner flameout, which resulted in the pilot's inability to arrest the balloon’s descent and its subsequent impact with power lines as he was trying to relight the burner.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that just after lifting off in the balloon, one of his passengers dropped to the bottom of the basket in fear. After about fifteen minutes of trying to get the passenger to relax, the pilot began looking for a place to land the balloon. The balloon was about 75 ft above ground level (agl) when the burner flamed out. While trying to relight the burner, the balloon descended and struck power transmission lines, severing four of the eight suspension cables attached to the basket. According to the pilot, the Adams burners have a history of flame outs, and he has experienced it many times. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the hot air balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHead AX8 88B
Tail NumberN2224H
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeNone
Engine DetailsNone
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · None · Minor
Crew 2Minor
Crew 3None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 36 C
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time14:45
Weather SourcePILO