Pilot Debrief

ULTRAMAGIC SA N 300 near Cave Creek, AZ — 2018-03-28

Final reportGAA18CA185
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Date
2018-03-28
Location
Cave Creek, AZ, USA
Aircraft
ULTRAMAGIC SA N 300
Registration
N64EX
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The balloon pilot’s decision to add heat to the envelope with a tree branch protruding into the envelope that caught fire.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during landing, the balloon came to rest pressing against a small tree. He added that when he applied heat to the envelope to reposition the balloon for deflation, a small hole appeared in the fabric and a small tree branch protruded into the envelope. Upon adding the heat, the tree branch inside the envelope caught fire causing the envelope fabric to catch fire. The passengers exited the basket, two fire extinguishers were deployed in an attempt to extinguish the fire, but the basket and envelope were consumed by the fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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