DRIGGS, ID, USA
N1613B
AVIAN BALLOON MAGNUM IX
WHILE EXECUTING A LANDING IN A FIELD THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF THE PART 91 BALLOON FLIGHT DESCENDED TO 60 FEET AGL IN THE VICINITY OF ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES. JUST BEFORE CROSSING THE LINES THE BALLOON SUDDENLY DESCENDED TO 30 AGL FEET. THE PILOT IN COMMAND ELECTED TO STRIKE THE WIRES AS HE BELIEVED THAT AN ASCENT OVER THE WIRES WAS NOT POSSIBLE. DURING THE WIRE STRIKE AND LANDING, A FIRE DEVELOPED WHICH CONSUMED BOTH THE BALLOON AND GONDOLA.
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO INSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: WEATHER CONDITION (DOWNDRAFT) AND OBJECT (TRANSMISSION WIRES).
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
