Summary
On May 06, 2012, a Balloon Works FIREFLY 7-15 (N9079S) was involved in an incident near Hallsville, MO. 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 failure to maintain clearance from power lines during landing.
During the slow descent from approximately 300 feet, the hot air balloon hit powerlines. The pilot stated that as the balloon descended, the winds shifted and the forward speed of the balloon was reduced. Instead of continuing past the powerlines, the gondola of the balloon descended between the powerlines and the envelope of the balloon became entangled in the wires. A post impact fire ensued, resulting in substantial damage of the envelope and gondola. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the balloon prior to the accident.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN12CA279. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9079S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
During the slow descent from approximately 300 feet, the hot air balloon hit powerlines. The pilot stated that as the balloon descended, the winds shifted and the forward speed of the balloon was reduced. Instead of continuing past the powerlines, the gondola of the balloon descended between the powerlines and the envelope of the balloon became entangled in the wires. A post impact fire ensued, resulting in substantial damage of the envelope and gondola. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the balloon prior to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA279