# N491A: 2020 Adams Balloons A55S

- Status: Valid registration
- Airframe: [Adams Balloons A55S](https://openairdocs.org/model/adams-balloons-a55s) (registry code 0050355, 1 seats)
- Engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000)
- Data sheets: [TCDS A15SO](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A15SO) (Adams Aerostats LLC) (OpenAirDocs)
- Serial number: 261
- Year built: 2020
- Type: Balloon
- Engine type: None
- Airworthiness: Standard, balloon
- Airworthiness date: December 19, 2020
- Certificate issued: May 21, 2025
- Expires: May 31, 2032
- Mode S code: A613CF
- Registered owner: [Ragsdale William M II](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RAGSDALE%20WILLIAM%20M%20II)
- Location: [Colorado Springs, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Colorado%20Springs)
- Owner type: Individual
- Owner's area on the map: 38.8868° N, 104.7405° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at the center of ZIP code 80917, within about a mile (OpenAirDocs). The owner's mailing address, not where the aircraft is based
- FAA registry: https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=491A
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N491A

From the FAA registry file of October 24, 2026. ADs below are matched by the registry's airframe and engine model codes. They may apply; each AD's applicability can narrow it by serial number, part number or installed equipment. This is not a compliance determination.

## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs): 2 in force

### Matched by airframe (Adams Balloons A55S)

- [AD 2013-03-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2013-03-10): Hardware · Aeronaut Instruction Research Skysailor 105, Skysailor 90, 110C and 439 more. Effective Mar 19, 2013
- [AD 75-12-08](https://openairdocs.org/ad/75-12-08): Throttle or Trigger Valves · McGrath, Michael D. A-60S, A-B, A50S and 41 more. Effective Apr 30, 1976

### Matched by engine (NONE)

None in force.

## Information bulletins (advisory) (1 in force)

- [SAIB CE-11-44](https://openairdocs.org/saib/CE-11-44): Fuel: Cylinder Strap Installation. Issued Jul 13, 2011

## NTSB investigations

None matched to N491A.

## FAA accident and incident reports

None matched to N491A.

## Service difficulty reports

None filed for this aircraft. Matched to this aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model.

## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (4)

Approved for this aircraft's airframe or engine model, in force first, then newest. The registry doesn't record which STCs an aircraft has; its records do.

### Approved for the airframe (Adams Balloons A55S)

- [STC SB09657RC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB09657RC): Installation of Aircraft Position Lights. Albuquerque Balloon Center, Inc
- [STC SB02133LA](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB02133LA): Installation of the Head Balloons model AX8-88b and Head DBII Burner. Aeronautical Enterprises Inc
- [STC SB02889AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB02889AT): Installation of replacement vapor and liquid fuel hoses including associated fittings. Aeronautical Enterprises Inc
- [STC SL2272SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SL2272SO): Installation of Raven classic basket and burner system. Adams Balloon Loft

## Earlier aircraft with N491A

The FAA can reassign an N-number once a registration is cancelled. These aircraft carried N491A before.

- [Cancelled 2004-04-26](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N491A-2004-04-26): Piper PA-28R-201, S/N 2844050, built 2001. Exported to United Kingdom. Owner: [Kolbach & Associates Investigation Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KOLBACH%20%26%20ASSOCIATES%20INVESTIGATION%20INC), [Rapid City, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Rapid%20City)
- [Cancelled 1983-11-02](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N491A-1983-11-02): Beech 95-C55, S/N TE295. Owner: [Floyd J Harkness Co Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/FLOYD%20J%20HARKNESS%20CO%20INC), [Fresno, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Fresno)

## Related

- Other Adams Balloons A55S aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/model/adams-balloons-a55s/aircraft.md
- The NONE engine: https://openairdocs.org/engine/none.md

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