N790TC

On October 9, 1998, approximately 1130 mountain daylight time, a Thunder & Colt AX8-90 S 2 balloon, N790TC, was substantially damaged when the envelope became entangled in transmission wires while disembarking its passengers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The pilot and three passengers were not injured; however, one passenger received minor injuries. The balloon was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the commercial sight-seeing flight which originated approximately one hour before the accident. No flight plan had been filed.

According to the FAA inspector, the balloon had landed and was disembarking its occupants when the envelope became entangled in adjacent transmission wires. One passenger reported receiving an electrical shock, and was later examined at a local hospital. The pilot said that the envelope could not be extracted from the wires until the power was shut off, subsequently, approximately 25 envelope panels were destroyed.

The reported wind at Albuquerque International Airport at the time of the accident was 160 degrees at 7 knots.

The pilot was interviewed by telephone and was sent three successive Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Reports, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, in an attempt to get more information about the accident. The pilot failed to fill out and return any of the forms.