ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 361014
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| Date: | Sunday 5 December 1993 |
| Time: | 12:00 LT |
| Type: |  Balloon Works FIREFLY 7-15 |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N9079M |
| MSN: | F7-743 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Pratt, KS -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Landing |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Elizabeth, CO |
| Kansas City, MO (MKC | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
THE PILOT STATED SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO BREAK THE BALLOON FLIGHT DISTANCE RECORD ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT. SHE SELECTED A DAY WITH HIGH WINDS IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH THAT GOAL, ANTICIPATING THE WINDS WOULD DIE DOWN BY THE TIME SHE LANDED IN THE EVENING. NINE PROPANE TANKS WERE ABOARD THE BALLOON, AND THE PILOT EXPECTED TO BE ALOFT APPROXIMATELY 8 HOURS. SHE INDICATED THE ACTUAL FUEL CONSUMPTION WAS TWICE WHAT SHE HAD ANTICIPATED. WHEN SHE SWITCHED TO THE 9TH AND FINAL PROPANE TANK, THE PILOT DECIDED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. THE PILOT STATED SHE TRIED TO LEVEL OFF AT 1000 FEET, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE DESCENT. THE BASKET TOUCHED DOWN IN A FLAT, OPEN FIELD, AND THE PILOT VENTED THE BALLOON'S ENVELOPE AND SHUT OFF THE PILOT LIGHT. STILL BEING BLOWN BY SURFACE WINDS, THE ENVELOPE HIT ELECTRICAL WIRES, BROKE THE POLE, AND CONTINUED ABOUT 60 FEET BEFORE IT DEFLATED. THE PILOT ESTIMATED THE SURFACE WINDS TO BE OUT OF 350 DEGREES AT 30 KNOTS.
Probable Cause: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBSTACLES. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT ARE THE PILOT'S MISJUDGED FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS AND THE WEATHER (HIGH WINDS).
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB CHI94LA042
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 16-Mar-2024 13:54 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
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