Pilot Debrief

AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC RAVEN S49A near Janesville, WI — 2012-04-13

Final reportCEN12LA248
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Date
2012-04-13
Location
Janesville, WI, USA
Aircraft
AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC RAVEN S49A
Registration
N70451
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the powerlines while landing.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he attempted to abort the landing when he saw that he was getting too close to the powerlines. He said he used a “continuous burn” to abort the landing; however, when it became apparent that the balloon would still hit the powerlines, he initiated an emergency descent. The balloon hit the powerlines and then descended to the ground. The impact with the powerlines caused an arc flash that burned the lower 20 percent of the balloon envelope.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land further from the powerlines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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