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March 20, 2021 · Cameron Balloons Z-90 NO Series · N4505B

Celina, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 20, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Celina, TX
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons Z-90 NO Series (2003)
Tail Number
N4505B
Operator
Ret Richard V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA164

The commercial pilot reported that while setting up to land in a field following a 1.3 hour flight to reestablish his solo currency, he noted on final approach that the venting system, used to release air from the envelope for descents, landings, and deflation, had malfunctioned. The pilot attempted to correct the problem while continuing to land. Immediately on landing, the balloon began to spinnaker and drag along the ground. The balloon finally came to a stop beneath powerlines adjacent to a road. The balloon sustained substantial damage to several lower panels of the envelope between the skirt and the equator. The pilot reported that not all the Velcro tabs to the parachute top of the venting system may have properly released prior to launch, which he believed was responsible for the outcome he experienced. The pilot also reported the wind was higher at the time of the accident than it was at the time of the launch, which was 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The malfunction of the balloon’s envelope venting system during landing in high wind, which resulted in the balloon being dragged along the ground, substantially damaging the envelope.

Full Narrative

The commercial pilot reported that while setting up to land in a field following a 1.3 hour flight to reestablish his solo currency, he noted on final approach that the venting system, used to release air from the envelope for descents, landings, and deflation, had malfunctioned. The pilot attempted to correct the problem while continuing to land. Immediately on landing, the balloon began to spinnaker and drag along the ground. The balloon finally came to a stop beneath powerlines adjacent to a road. The balloon sustained substantial damage to several lower panels of the envelope between the skirt and the equator. The pilot reported that not all the Velcro tabs to the parachute top of the venting system may have properly released prior to launch, which he believed was responsible for the outcome he experienced. The pilot also reported the wind was higher at the time of the accident than it was at the time of the launch, which was 5 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:25 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron Balloons Z-90 NO Series
Tail NumberN4505B
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRet Richard V
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 75 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 F / 41 F
Altimeter30.36 inHg
Observation Time08:53

Appendix: Source Data