Pilot Debrief

AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC S-60A near Peoria, AZ — 2020-12-26

Final reportWPR21LA074
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Date
2020-12-26
Location
Peoria, AZ, USA
Aircraft
AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC S-60A
Registration
N6534A
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s encounter with an updraft which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent collision with powerlines.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the balloon reported that, during the touchdown sequence, the balloon encountered an updraft and was launched back into the air towards nearby powerlines. The envelope contacted the powerlines, became momentarily entangled and an arch of electricity substantially damaged and melted several panels of fabric. As the envelope released from the powerlines, the basket dropped to the ground and rolled on its side. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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