Pilot Debrief

LINDSTRAND BALLOONS 105A near Wesley Chapel, FL — 2018-03-24

Final reportERA18LA116
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Date
2018-03-24
Location
Wesley Chapel, FL, USA
Aircraft
LINDSTRAND BALLOONS 105A
Registration
N1517H
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines during landing approach, which resulted in an inflight collision with the powerlines.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, as the balloon approached the intended landing site, he saw that the area was roped off. He then decided to proceed to his alternate landing site, which was an adjacent field located behind a shopping center. He began a descent toward the alternate site and saw power lines as he passed over the shopping center. The pilot attempted to climb over the powerlines by activating the burners, but upon realizing that it was too late to climb, he secured the fuel and told his passengers to prepare for a hard landing. The balloon descended into the powerlines, resulting in substantial damage to the cables, throat, and scoop; then landed upright in the field. Recorded weather conditions near the accident site included calm wind. The accident is consistent with the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during landing approach.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different alternate landing site before descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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