Piedmont, OK, USA
N2563W
Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15
The 79-hour lighter-than-air private pilot elected to land the balloon after encountering adverse weather condition about 15 minutes after departure. While landing on an open field with a downhill slope, the balloon was drifted towards a set of power lines. The pilot elected to initiate an emergency envelope deflation to avoid getting too close to the powerlines. After touchdown, the envelope of the balloon came in contact with the power lines. The pilot added that adverse weather consisted of visibilities of less than a mile, lowering ceilings and fog.
On October 9, 2004, approximately 0920 central daylight time, a Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15 hot air balloon, N2563W, was destroyed upon collision with power lines while landing near Piedmont, Oklahoma. The balloon was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from a private residence near Piedmont, Oklahoma, approximately 15 minutes prior to the accident. The 79-hour lighter-than-air pilot reported in Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that during the flight, he encountered fog, lowering clouds, and reduced visibility. The pilot elected to descent to an altitude slightly above the trees in order to remain clear of clouds. In view that the weather continued to worsen, the pilot elected to land on a downhill slope in a wheat field. As the balloon settled onto the ground, the basket "scooted down the hill a couple of times," getting closer to power lines. The pilot reported that he initiated an emergency envelope deflation. Subsequently, the envelope of the balloon came in contact with the power lines and draped over the top wire. Approximately 30 minutes later, a fire ensued and consumed the entire envelope and basket. At 0853, the automated surface observing system (ASOS) at the Wiley Post Airport (PWA), near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, reported wind from 360 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 1/2 statute mile, overcast ceiling at 200 feet, temperature 61 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.10 inches of Mercury. At 0945, the ASOS at PWA reported wind from 040 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 1/2 statute mile, ceiling overcast at 200 feet, temperature 61 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 61 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.11 inches of Mercury.
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with power lines while landing. Contributing factors were the reduced visibility, fog, and low cloud ceiling.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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