Summary
On June 12, 1993, a Balloon Works FIREFLY 7 (N71145) was involved in an accident near Salida, CA. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, with 2 people uninjured out of 3 aboard. The aircraft sustained minor damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during the attempted landing. A factor in the accident was the unfavorable wind conditions for the balloon landing.
On June 12, 1993, about 0918 hours Pacific daylight time, a Balloonworks Firefly 7, N71145, collided with a fence during landing near Salida, California. The balloon sustained minor damage. The certificated commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured and the remaining passenger received serious injuries. The local personal area flight departed a park located about five miles northwest of Stockton, California, about 0700 hours. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.
According to an FAA safety inspector who interviewed the pilot, he was trying to land the balloon in "high" winds when it collided with a fence. The pilot did not provide information pertaining to his obtaining wind/weather forecast prior to his flight.
This accident is documented in NTSB report LAX93LA250. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N71145.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during the attempted landing. A factor in the accident was the unfavorable wind conditions for the balloon landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 12, 1993, about 0918 hours Pacific daylight time, a Balloonworks Firefly 7, N71145, collided with a fence during landing near Salida, California. The balloon sustained minor damage. The certificated commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured and the remaining passenger received serious injuries. The local personal area flight departed a park located about five miles northwest of Stockton, California, about 0700 hours. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.
According to an FAA safety inspector who interviewed the pilot, he was trying to land the balloon in "high" winds when it collided with a fence. The pilot did not provide information pertaining to his obtaining wind/weather forecast prior to his flight.
Repeated attempts were made by the FAA and the NTSB to obtain a Pilot/Operator report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot. It was explained, in writing and orally, to the pilot that Public Law requires the pilot to provide the NTSB with a Pilot/Operator report. The pilot did not respond to several telephone messages left by an FAA safety inspector.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX93LA250