HEAD BALLOONS INC. AX8 105 - NO SERIES near Intercourse, PA — 2015-04-12
- Date
- 2015-04-12
- Location
- Intercourse, PA, USA
- Aircraft
- HEAD BALLOONS INC. AX8 105 - NO SERIES
- Registration
- N3099F
- Category
- Balloon
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Fatalities
- 0
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain/location for takeoff in gusting wind conditions, resulting in a collision with a building, and substantial damage to the hot air balloon.
NTSB narrative
The pilot of the hot air balloon reported, "a gust of wind created a false lift effect on the balloon" during takeoff. The pilot's heat application to increase lift was insufficient to avoid colliding with a building. During the collision the hot air balloon sustained substantial damage to 44 of the 384 balloon panels. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the hot air balloon prior to flight that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB coding
Evidence available
- Photos
- 5 docket documents
Docket documents5
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
- Memorandum For Record of Weather KLNS (1830 EDT)other
- Photograph 1: Substantial Damage to Balloon Tiles (Courtesy of Pilot)photos
- Photograph 2: Substantial Damage to Balloon Tiles (Courtesy of Pilot)photos
- Photograph 3: Substantial Damage to Balloon Tiles (Courtesy of Pilot)photos
Related mishaps
- RYAN NAVION
2026-06-23 · Bismarck, MO
- CESSNA 150L
2026-03-01 · Okeechobee, FL
- CESSNA 172L
2026-02-28 · Bennettsville, SC
- BEECH C90
2026-02-14 · Guymon, OK
- Kitfox Series 7
2026-01-19 · Lemmon Valley-Golden Valley, NV
- DE HAVILLAND DH82
2025-09-27 · Harvard, IL