MOORPARK, CA, USA
N3749W
BALLOON WORKS FIRE FLY 7
THE PLT REPORTED THAT AFTER COMPLETING THE 2ND FLT OF THE MORNING, HE CHANGED THE FUEL TANK & ACQUIRED NEW PASSENGERS. HE STATED THAT DURING THE 1ST 2 FLTS, THE BALLOON HAD NOT DRIFTED MORE THAN 100 YDS FROM ITS POINT OF LIFT-OFF. AS THE BALLOON ASCENDED ON THE 3RD FLT, THE WIND CONDITION CHANGED. AT ABOUT 10 FT AGL, IT BEGAN DRIFTING TOWARD NEARBY POWER LINES. AS SOON AS THE PLT REALIZED THE BALLOON WOULD NOT CLEAR THE LINES, HE GRABBED THE VENT ROPE TO RIP THE TOP; HOWEVER, THE BALLOON DRIFTED INTO THE POWER LINES. STEEL CABLES SUSPENDING THE GONDOLA TOUCHED THE POWER LINES & A SHOWER OF SPARKS DEVELOPED. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE SERIOUSLY BURNED WHEN BITS OF HOT METAL CONTACTED THEIR HEADS, NECKS & BACKS.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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