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NTSB Report
August 4, 2022 · Ultramagic Sa M56C · N801UM
Indianola, IA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Indianola, IA
Aircraft
Ultramagic Sa M56C (2019)
Tail Number
N801UM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA365
The pilot reported that he was participating in a balloon event that consisted of dropping markers on targets at various locations. While approaching the final target, he crossed some trees about 200 ft above ground level (agl) in a descent. After crossing the trees, when the balloon was about 20 ft agl, he heard someone announce “powerline” over his crew radio and saw approaching powerlines above his line of sight. He immediately pulled his deflation line and shut off the fuel tanks. The balloon subsequently contacted the powerlines, which resulted in electrical arcing and the basket impacted the ground. The balloon sustained substantial damage to the envelope and the basket. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Flight crew
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was participating in a balloon event that consisted of dropping markers on targets at various locations. While approaching the final target, he crossed some trees about 200 ft above ground level (agl) in a descent. After crossing the trees, when the balloon was about 20 ft agl, he heard someone announce “powerline” over his crew radio and saw approaching powerlines above his line of sight. He immediately pulled his deflation line and shut off the fuel tanks. The balloon subsequently contacted the powerlines, which resulted in electrical arcing and the basket impacted the ground. The balloon sustained substantial damage to the envelope and the basket. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:50 CDT
Nearest AirportN/A (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftUltramagic Sa M56C
Tail NumberN801UM
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 72 · None · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 8 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time07:54
Weather SourcePILO