Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PASSENGER'S INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE BURNER AFTER THE LANDING, CAUSING THE TERRAIN TO BURN AND SUBSEQUENTLY IGNITING THE BALLOON ENVELOPE.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 10, 1993, about 2020 hours eastern daylight time, N7113E, a Balloon Works Firefly 8B balloon, registered to Looking Up Advertising Incorporated, North Plainfield, New Jersey, was substantially damaged during landing in Flemington, New Jersey. The pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight departed from Frenchtown, New Jersey, at 1935 hours and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
According to the pilot;
"A successful 45 minute balloon flight was made. . . . A long drag landing was made on the upward slope of a hay field that was cut and raked with 3 inch stubble in the ground. The balloon flattened out at the end of [the] drag, laying on top of the stubble. The passenger crawled out of the gondola and hit the burner, causing the burner to go on, setting the stubble on fire in front of the basket going under the envelope, causing [the envelope] to burn."
No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# BFO93LA118