Wesley Chapel, FL, USA
N1517H
LINDSTRAND BALLOONS 105A
The pilot stated that, as the balloon approached the intended landing site, he saw that the area was roped off. He then decided to proceed to his alternate landing site, which was an adjacent field located behind a shopping center. He began a descent toward the alternate site and saw power lines as he passed over the shopping center. The pilot attempted to climb over the powerlines by activating the burners, but upon realizing that it was too late to climb, he secured the fuel and told his passengers to prepare for a hard landing. The balloon descended into the powerlines, resulting in substantial damage to the cables, throat, and scoop; then landed upright in the field. Recorded weather conditions near the accident site included calm wind. The accident is consistent with the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during landing approach.
On March 24, 2018, about 0845 eastern daylight time, a Lindstrand Balloons 105A, N1517H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Wesley Chapel, Florida. The commercial pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The balloon was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 sightseeing flight. The pilot reported that he was preparing to land, and as the balloon approached the landing site, he saw that the area was roped off. He then decided to land at his alternate landing site, which was an adjacent field located behind a shopping center. He began a descent toward the alternate site and saw power lines as he passed over the stores. The pilot applied the burners in an attempt to climb, but realized that it was too late and that the balloon was going to hit the powerlines. The pilot told the passengers that there would be a hard landing and to, "get down." The pilot secured the fuel at the burners and the tanks. The balloon descended straight down and the pilot heard a "pop" and felt sparks on his shoulders as the balloon hit the powerlines. The basket landed upright, and witnesses came to assist. An examination of the balloon by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the balloon cables, throat, and scoop were damaged during the collision with the powerlines.
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines during landing approach, which resulted in an inflight collision with the powerlines.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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