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NTSB Report
March 21, 2024 · Aerostar International S53A · N5236R
Rochester, MN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 21, 2024
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Rochester, MN
Aircraft
Aerostar International S53A (2005)
Tail Number
N5236R
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN24LA139
The pilot reported that as he was attempting to land the hot air balloon in a field, the wind shifted and increased in speed. The pilot attempted to abort the landing but was unable to arrest the ballon’s descent. The balloon contacted power lines which resulted in an electrical arc and a shower of sparks. The arc severed 12 of the 16 flying wires, and the remaining flying wires failed in a manner consistent with overload. The basket separated from the envelope and came to rest on its side. The balloon sustained substantial damage to the flying wires, attachment hardware, and the basket support structure. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation. The wind at the time of the accident was 350° at 9 knots.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that as he was attempting to land the hot air balloon in a field, the wind shifted and increased in speed. The pilot attempted to abort the landing but was unable to arrest the ballon’s descent. The balloon contacted power lines which resulted in an electrical arc and a shower of sparks. The arc severed 12 of the 16 flying wires, and the remaining flying wires failed in a manner consistent with overload. The basket separated from the envelope and came to rest on its side. The balloon sustained substantial damage to the flying wires, attachment hardware, and the basket support structure. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation. The wind at the time of the accident was 350° at 9 knots.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:03 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAerostar International S53A
Tail NumberN5236R
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 F / -2 F
Altimeter30.16 inHg
Observation Time19:00
Weather SourceWFAC