DECATUR, AL, USA
N2023H
BARNES AX-6B
THE BALLOON WAS LAUNCHED FROM A FIELD WITH POWER LINES ALONG THE EAST SIDE AFTER ANOTHER BALLOON WAS LAUNCHED. THE FIRST BALLOON WAS APRX 50 FT FROM THE POWER LINE WHEN IT WAS LAUNCHED. WHEN IT TOOKOFF, IT TRAVELED TO THE NORTH NORTHWEST & REMAINED WELL CLEAR OF THE POWER LINES. THE SECOND BALLOON, N2023H, LIFTED OFF APRX 35 FT FROM THE POWER LINES. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LIFT-OFF, N2023H CLIMBED TOWARDS THE POWER LINES & CONTACTED THE TOP TWO WIRES. ELECTRICAL ARCING OCCURRED WHICH DAMAGED THE GONDOLA. THE PLT WAS BURNED ON HIS RIGHT SIDE, RIGHT ARM & RIGHT SIDE OF HIS FACE, AND WAS INCAPACITATED. THE PASSENGER RECEIVED ONLY MINOR BURNS TO HIS HANDS & WAS ABLE TO LAND THE BALLOON WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. LATER, THE PLT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN WIND SHIFT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
