Pilot Debrief

EAGLE C-7 near Ruther Glen, VA — 2014-05-09

Final reportERA14FA231
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Date
2014-05-09
Location
Ruther Glen, VA, USA
Aircraft
EAGLE C-7
Registration
N3016Z
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate approach and his failure to maintain clearance from power lines, which resulted in a subsequent fire.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses to the accident reported observing the balloon approaching the landing zone from the south where another balloon had just landed. A video obtained from one of the witnesses showed that, as the balloon descended and approached the landing site, the pilot engaged the burner; however, shortly after, the balloon struck power lines, which resulted in a spark. Subsequently, the basket and a section of the balloon's envelope caught fire. The balloon then began an accelerated climb and drifted out of the camera's view. The wreckage was found about 6 miles north of the power lines. Examination of the wreckage revealed no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the balloon. Federal Aviation Administration guidance on balloon flying states that, if there is an obstacle between the balloon and the landing site, the pilot should either give the obstacle appropriate clearance and drop in from altitude; reject the landing and look for another landing site; or fly a low approach to the obstacle, fly over the obstacle allowing plenty of room, and then land. It is likely that the pilot identified the power lines late in the approach and ignited the burner to climb but that insufficient time remained to clear the power lines.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have rejected landing due to powerlines and chosen another site.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 21 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents21

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