Summary
On December 14, 2019, a Head AX8 88B (N2224H) was involved in an accident near Las Cruces, NM. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: A burner flameout, which resulted in the pilot's inability to arrest the balloon’s descent and its subsequent impact with power lines as he was trying to relight the burner.
The pilot reported that just after lifting off in the balloon, one of his passengers dropped to the bottom of the basket in fear. After about fifteen minutes of trying to get the passenger to relax, the pilot began looking for a place to land the balloon. The balloon was about 75 ft above ground level (agl) when the burner flamed out. While trying to relight the burner, the balloon descended and struck power transmission lines, severing four of the eight suspension cables attached to the basket. According to the pilot, the Adams burners have a history of flame outs, and he has experienced it many times.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the hot air balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR20CA050. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2224H.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A burner flameout, which resulted in the pilot's inability to arrest the balloon’s descent and its subsequent impact with power lines as he was trying to relight the burner.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that just after lifting off in the balloon, one of his passengers dropped to the bottom of the basket in fear. After about fifteen minutes of trying to get the passenger to relax, the pilot began looking for a place to land the balloon. The balloon was about 75 ft above ground level (agl) when the burner flamed out. While trying to relight the burner, the balloon descended and struck power transmission lines, severing four of the eight suspension cables attached to the basket. According to the pilot, the Adams burners have a history of flame outs, and he has experienced it many times.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the hot air 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# WPR20CA050