Pilot Debrief

LINDSTRAND LBL180A near Temecula, CA — 2012-02-17

Final reportWPR12CA173
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Date
2012-02-17
Location
Temecula, CA, USA
Airport
F70
Aircraft
LINDSTRAND LBL180A
Registration
N49CD
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot failed to see and avoid a set of power lines while maneuvering to a landing site.

NTSB narrative

The pilot launched from a field with eight passengers for a commercial hot air balloon flight. He planned to conduct a 60-minute flight, followed by a landing at one of the operator's known landing areas. According to the pilot, about 50 minutes into the flight, he initiated an approach for landing at one of the planned locations,and, during the descent, he obtained an automated weather observation from an airport located about 6 miles to the northwest. During the approach, the pilot determined that the wind speed and direction would not permit a landing at his first intended site. He added heat, leveled out about 50 feet above ground level, and headed for a second landing site. As he neared that site, another pilot who had landed at that site advised him that the wind had increased, so he decided to continue to a third landing site. During the climb and transit to the third site, the balloon struck some electrical wires. The balloon remained entangled in the wires for a few seconds and then descended to the ground. A postaccident examination of the balloon revealed that 3 of the 12 cables between the basket and the envelope were severed, 3 cables under the basket were severed, and 14 fabric panels received various amounts of damage. The pilot stated that he had been subjected to "target fixation" on the third landing site, and did not see the power lines.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted approach after wind conditions changed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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