Balloon Works Firefly 7-15 near Mountain Grove, MO — 2008-08-17

Probable cause

An on-board fire following a propane leak. Contributing to the accident was the lack of training/experience of the non-certificated pilot.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the lack of training/experience of the non-certificated pilot.

NTSB narrative

A non-certificated balloon pilot made a tethered balloon flight. During the ascent, a propane leak and fire broke out on-board. The fire caused one of the propane tanks to explode. At an altitude of approximately 80 feet, the pilot jumped to escape the burning craft. The balloon's basket then separated from the envelope and fell to the ground. When ground handlers went to aid the pilot, a second propane tank exploded, causing serious burn injuries to one of the participants. A reason for the propane leak was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Mechanical failure

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted the flight before the tethered ascent began.

NTSB coding

• Fire/smoke (non-impact) · Other
• Experience / Qualifications

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Photo: Propane Tanksphotos
• Reports from Local Agenciesreport

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