CircumFlightN4066X Cameron Balloons O-90 accident
NTSB NYC06CA022 · 2005-10-30 · Bethlehem Twp., NJ
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
A ground crewmember was assisting in the inflation and launch of a hot air balloon. Just prior to lift-off, as the pilot was adding heat for the climb out, the crewmember became entangled in the two vent lines that were draped outside of the balloon's basket. When the balloon lifted off, the crewmember was lifted approximately 75 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted to lose altitude by venting hot air from the envelope, but was unable, as both vent lines were wrapped about the crewmember's right ankle. The pilot then attempted to get the crewmember closer to the ground by aiming at a small tree. The balloon struck the tree at a downward angle, the crewman became untangled, fell through a barn roof, and sustained serious injuries.
Full narrative
A ground crewmember was assisting in the inflation and launch of a hot air balloon. Just prior to lift-off, as the pilot was adding heat for the climb out, the crewmember became entangled in the two vent lines that were draped outside of the balloon's basket. When the balloon lifted off, she was lifted approximately 75 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted to lose altitude by venting hot air from the envelope, but was unable, as both vent lines were wrapped about the crewmember's right ankle. The pilot then attempted to get the crewmember closer to the ground by aiming at a small tree. The balloon struck the tree at a downward angle, the crewman became untangled, fell through a barn roof, and sustained serious injuries.
Probable cause
The ground crewmember's inadvertent entanglement in the balloon's vent 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
- Sky condition
- NONE
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 260
- Wind speed (kt)
- 9
- Temperature (F)
- 63
- Distance from field
- 0.0
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N4066X | Cameron Balloons | O-90 | — | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 430 | Cruise |
Findings
| Finding | |
|---|---|
| 17604 | |
| 24500 | cause |