Summary
On September 13, 2014, a Ultramagic N250 - NO SERIES (N59EX) was involved in an accident near Phoenix, AZ. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries, with 9 people uninjured out of 11 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in downdraft and gusting wind conditions which resulted in striking trees and a subsequent hard landing.
The pilot reported that as the balloon descended to land, about 50 feet above ground level, a wind gust and down draft resulted in a rapid descent and subsequent collision with trees. The balloon landed hard and bounced several times. During the accident sequence, the basket flipped onto its side and was dragged in the dirt, which resulted in substantial damage to the structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR14CA396. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N59EX.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in downdraft and gusting wind conditions which resulted in striking trees and a subsequent hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that as the balloon descended to land, about 50 feet above ground level, a wind gust and down draft resulted in a rapid descent and subsequent collision with trees. The balloon landed hard and bounced several times. During the accident sequence, the basket flipped onto its side and was dragged in the dirt, which resulted in substantial damage to the structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA396