Summary
On September 05, 1993, a Cameron V-77 (N2021A) was involved in an incident near Truckee, CA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the landing approach.
On September 5, 1993, about 0840 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cameron V77 balloon, N2021A, operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged after colliding with a pine tree while maneuvering to land near the stampede reservoir. Neither the commercial balloon pilot nor his passenger was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The origin point and time of the flight are undetermined.
The pilot stated to an FAA inspector from the Reno Flight Standards District Office that at approximately 20 to 30 feet above the ground he encountered lift and acceleration to the east. The balloon then collided with a pine tree at about 60 feet in the air and ripped the envelope while gaining altitude.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX93LA347. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2021A.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the landing approach.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On September 5, 1993, about 0840 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cameron V77 balloon, N2021A, operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged after colliding with a pine tree while maneuvering to land near the stampede reservoir. Neither the commercial balloon pilot nor his passenger was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The origin point and time of the flight are undetermined.
The pilot stated to an FAA inspector from the Reno Flight Standards District Office that at approximately 20 to 30 feet above the ground he encountered lift and acceleration to the east. The balloon then collided with a pine tree at about 60 feet in the air and ripped the envelope while gaining altitude. It then slid down the pine tree stopping about ten feet above the ground. The pilot also stated that 90 of the 144 panels of the balloon were damaged.
An NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form, was sent by certified mail to the pilot. After three attempts to deliver the mail, it was returned by the Post Office as undeliverable.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX93LA347