CircumFlightN6954Y Cameron A-400 accident
NTSB WPR19LA104 · 2019-04-01 · Yountville, CA
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
During cruise flight, the balloon encountered a sudden downdraft. The pilot arrested the descent to level flight, but not in time to prevent the bottom of the basket from contacting nearby power lines. The pilot subsequently landed the balloon without further incident. One passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Full narrative
On April 1, 2019, about 0757 Pacific daylight time, a Cameron Balloons US, A-400 hot air balloon, N6954YA, was not damaged when it was involved in an accident near Napa, California. The pilot and 18 passengers were not injured, one passenger sustained serious injuries and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The balloon was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 sightseeing flight. The pilot reported that, about 10 minutes into the flight, and about 500 ft, the wind changed direction and the balloon entered a downdraft. The pilot added heat to compensate for the descent and level flight was established. The balloon’s basket subsequently contacted a power line. After the pilot attained a slow ascent, the power line released from the basket, and the pilot immediately landed the balloon in a field without further incident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
The pilot’s inability to maintain obstacle clearance after the balloon’s encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a collision with power lines. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 350
- Wind speed (kt)
- 4
- Temperature (F)
- 52
- Distance from field
- 0.0
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N6954Y | Cameron | A-400 | — | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enroute Other weather encounter | Climb |
| 2 | Enroute Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) | Climb |
| 3 | Enroute Miscellaneous/other defining | Climb |