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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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November 29, 2020 · Aerostar International RX 8 · N9051Y

St. George, UT

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 29, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Location
St. George, UT
Aircraft
Aerostar International RX 8 (1992)
Tail Number
N9051Y
Operator
Scott J Gneiting
Injuries
None
NTSB Number
WPR21LA155

The pilot of the balloon reported that, after landing and while the ground crew were in the process of securing the balloon, the driver of the chase truck attempted to help secure the balloon by grabbing a rope tethered to the balloon. While placing the rope in the rope’s storage bag, the balloon unexpectedly ascended, and the driver’s glove became entangled between the rope and bag. The balloon ascended about 20 ft in the air, and while the pilot was pulling the red line to top the ascent, the driver’s glove released from the rope and bag. The driver fell to the ground sustaining a serious injury. The pilot subsequently landed the balloon without further incident or damage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the balloon and a member of the ground crews entanglement with a tether rope, which resulted in a serious injury when they fell to the ground after the balloon unexpectedly ascended.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the balloon reported that, after landing and while the ground crew were in the process of securing the balloon, the driver of the chase truck attempted to help secure the balloon by grabbing a rope tethered to the balloon. While placing the rope in the rope’s storage bag, the balloon unexpectedly ascended, and the driver’s glove became entangled between the rope and bag. The balloon ascended about 20 ft in the air, and while the pilot was pulling the red line to top the ascent, the driver’s glove released from the rope and bag. The driver fell to the ground sustaining a serious injury. The pilot subsequently landed the balloon without further incident or damage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerostar International RX 8
Tail NumberN9051Y
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorScott J Gneiting
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point51 / 12 C
Altimeter27.22 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data