Pilot Debrief

AEROSTAR RX-8 near Albuquerque, NM — 2016-10-02

Final reportCEN17CA013
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Date
2016-10-02
Location
Albuquerque, NM, USA
Aircraft
AEROSTAR RX-8
Registration
N5161Y
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improperly planned landing, which resulted in a strike with power lines.

NTSB narrative

The hot air free balloon was participating in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. According to the pilot, he was approaching a vacant field for landing after a one-hour flight. The pilot approached the field from about 8 feet above the ground and the envelope impacted an unnoticed power line during landing. The pilot deflated the envelope, but the wind pulled the envelope and basket into the lines, which resulted in arcing against the uprights and frame.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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