OVERLAND PARK, KS, USA
N4070W
BALLOON WORKS FIREFLY 7
PRIOR TO A SIGHT-SEEING FLT, THE PLT ORBAINED A WX BRIEFING & RELEASED TEST BALLOONS TO CHECK THE WIND SPD & DRCTN. THE PREVAILING WIND WAS IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION AT ABOUT 8 KTS. THE PLT OF N4070W INITIATED HIS DEPARTURE FROM A SCHOOL YARD AFTER ANOTHER BALLOON TOOK OFF WITH NO DIFFICULTY. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE BALLOON LIFTED OFF & WAS PROCEEDING IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION WHEN IT ENCOUNTERED AN UNEXPECTED, UNFORCAST WIND GUST FROM THE WEST. HE STATED THAT THE WIND BLEW THE BALLOON TO THE ENE TOWARD AN ELECTRICAL POLE ABOUT 180 FT AWAY. HE WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR OVER THE POLE & VENTED THE BALLOON PRIOR TO IMPACT. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE ELECTRICAL ARCING, THE SKIRT OF THE BALLOON IGNITED & THE OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MINOR BURNS FROM A SHOWER OF SPARKS. ONE BALLOON ATTACH CABLE WAS BURNED THRU.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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