N401DJ

MINR
Serious

CAMERON BALLOONS Z-90S/N: 6291

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, June 7, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN12CA347
Location
Sellersburg, IN
Event ID
20120608X34406
Coordinates
38.433334, -85.866668
Aircraft Damage
MINR
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The balloon pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CAMERON BALLOONS
Serial Number
6291
Engine Type
None
Year Built
2001
Model / ICAO
Z-90
Aircraft Type
Balloon
No. of Engines
0
Seats
1
FAA Model
Z-90

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CUNDIFF SEAN T
Address
815 CEDAR FALLS DR
City
MOUNT WASHINGTON
State / Zip Code
KY 40047-7827
Country
United States

Analysis

Passengers in the balloon reported that the balloon initially landed in an "unmowed field" that wasn't easily accessible by ground vehicles. They reported that the pilot decided to move the balloon to an adjacent field. The passengers noted that there was a fence and power lines that had to be crossed to get to the adjacent field. There were 3 lines on the poles and 2 were thinner and not as visible. The passengers reported that the balloon was traveling into the setting sun and they believe the pilot only saw the lower more visible power line. The passengers reported that when the balloon struck the power line a large arc ensued and the pilot was thrown rearward into one of the passengers. The pilot was unconscious at this time and the passengers were able to deflate the balloon with verbal assistance from the ground crew. The pilot reported that he has no memory of the accident after the initial landing. Postaccident inspection of the balloon revealed no preimpact defects and minor damage. The pilot received serious injuries and one passenger received minor injuries.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA347