# Adams Balloon A55

- Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry)
- Registry code: 0050103
- Manufacturer (registry): ADAMS BALLOON
- Model: A55
- Aircraft type: Balloon
- Category: Balloon
- Engines: None
- Seats: 0
- Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb
- Certification: Type certificated
- Data sheet: [TCDS A15SO](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A15SO) (OpenAirDocs)
- Holder: Adams Aerostats LLC
- Registered aircraft: 24
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/adams-balloon-a55

Model codes come from the FAA registry's reference file. ADs are matched to them by model name and maker.

## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs)

Matched to this model by model name and maker. Each AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment.

- [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

## Information bulletins (advisory) (1)

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

## Registered aircraft (24)

- [N1059B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1059B): [Dimmitt William C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DIMMITT%20WILLIAM%20C), [Los Lunas, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Los%20Lunas), S/N 054
- [N1059S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1059S): [Moughan Gavin P](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MOUGHAN%20GAVIN%20P), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), built 1979, S/N 046
- [N1059Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1059Z): [Gauthier Daniel R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GAUTHIER%20DANIEL%20R), [Waterford, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Waterford), built 1981, S/N 073
- [N1061A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1061A): [Amlong Jeanine M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AMLONG%20JEANINE%20M), [Rio Rancho, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Rio%20Rancho), S/N 045
- [N1061G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1061G): [Wilson Daniel E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WILSON%20DANIEL%20E), [Tucson, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Tucson), built 1979, S/N 058
- [N10623](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N10623): [Ripsnorter LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RIPSNORTER%20LLC), [Washington, IN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IN/Washington), built 1982, S/N 097
- [N1062Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1062Q): [Belgarde Sonja K](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BELGARDE%20SONJA%20K), [Sun Prairie, WI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WI/Sun%20Prairie), S/N 104
- [N1062Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1062Y): [Bristol David W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BRISTOL%20DAVID%20W), [Sautee, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Sautee), built 1982, S/N 105
- [N1063S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1063S): [Dimmitt William C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DIMMITT%20WILLIAM%20C), [Los Lunas, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Los%20Lunas), built 1980, S/N 065
- [N313HD](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N313HD): [Wilson Daniel E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WILSON%20DANIEL%20E), [Tucson, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Tucson), built 1982, S/N 096
- [N4007G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4007G): [Olive Jonathan S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/OLIVE%20JONATHAN%20S), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), built 1983, S/N 125
- [N4016V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4016V): [Vaughn Charles M DBA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/VAUGHN%20CHARLES%20M%20DBA), [Jacksonville, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Jacksonville), built 1983, S/N 120
- [N40209](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40209): [Hodge Steven J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HODGE%20STEVEN%20J), [Tucson, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Tucson), built 1983, S/N 130
- [N4021L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4021L): [Gunter Ryan S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GUNTER%20RYAN%20S), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), built 1983, S/N 134
- [N4026D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4026D): [Bargar Stacy](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BARGAR%20STACY), [Concord, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Concord), S/N 116
- [N4031G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4031G): [Bristol David W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BRISTOL%20DAVID%20W), [Sautee, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Sautee), built 1983, S/N 137
- [N4031S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4031S): [Vertical Concepts Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/VERTICAL%20CONCEPTS%20INC), [Wilmington, DE](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/DE/Wilmington), S/N 159
- [N4031V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4031V): [Engdahl James H](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ENGDAHL%20JAMES%20H), [Spring Creek, NV](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NV/Spring%20Creek), built 1983, S/N 121
- [N40351](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40351): [Riley Adam C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RILEY%20ADAM%20C), [Huntsville, AL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AL/Huntsville), built 1984, S/N 138
- [N9064A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9064A): [Beck Richard S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BECK%20RICHARD%20S), [Acworth, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Acworth), S/N 059
- [N9073A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9073A): [Tinnesand Scott B](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/TINNESAND%20SCOTT%20B), [Gilbert, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Gilbert), built 1979, S/N 060
- [N9078A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9078A): [Willco Services LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WILLCO%20SERVICES%20LLC), [Lavonia, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Lavonia), S/N 034
- [N9802C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9802C): [Cowen David](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/COWEN%20DAVID), [Corrales, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Corrales), built 1985, S/N 166
- [N9817S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9817S): [Diekhoff Michael](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DIEKHOFF%20MICHAEL), [Bloomington, IN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IN/Bloomington), S/N 187

## NTSB investigations (6)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB DEN03LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA105), Jun 15, 2003: Adams Balloon A55 (N4031Z), Albuquerque, NM, destroyed. Probable cause: the pilot's improper planned approach for a landing and obstacle clearance not maintained. A contributing factor was the power lines.
- [NTSB LAX90LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA080), Jan 21, 1990: Adams A55 (N4021L), Glendale, AZ, no damage. Probable cause: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT. THE UNEXPECTED HIGH WIND CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
- [NTSB DEN90LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA003), Oct 8, 1989: Adams A55 (N1059S), Albuquerque, NM, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR THE EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: TREES AND POWER LINES IN THE LANDING AREA.
- [NTSB MIA86LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA128), Apr 20, 1986: Adams A55 (N10600), Alachua, FL, no damage
- [NTSB MIA80DLA27](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA80DLA27), Jun 7, 1980: Adams A55S (N9073A), Gainesville, FL, destroyed
- [NTSB MKC80DCA04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC80DCA04), Dec 9, 1979: Adams,Md A55 (N1060N), Ballwin, MO, minor damage

## FAA accident and incident reports (13)

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [Accident 20030615014299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030615014299A), Jun 15, 2003: Adams A55 (N4031Z), Albuquerque, NM, Substantial damage. (-23) During approach for landing balloon crossed over a paved parking lot. The heat being radiated created a thermal which caused the envelope and basket to…
- [Incident 19930919039539I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930919039539I), Sep 19, 1993: Adams A55 (N9803N), Kingsbury, NY, Minor damage. Passenger blocked rip cord as pilot attempted to pull rip cord on landing. Balloon drifted to powerline. Deflated.
- [Accident 19900121001959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900121001959A), Jan 21, 1990: Adams A55 (N4021L), Glendale, AZ. Made hard landing due to unforecasted strong surface wind. Suffered a broken ankle.
- [Accident 19891008039219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891008039219A), Oct 8, 1989: Adams A55 (N1059S), Albuquerque, NM, Substantial damage. Snagged a tree on landing, broke free then reported a wind gust put balloon into powerlines. Occupants jumped out.
- [Incident 19880330023049I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880330023049I), Mar 30, 1988: Adams A55 (N4016V), Jacksonville, FL, Minor damage. After deplaning passengers and starting deflation the balloon envelope was blown into high tension wires.
- [Incident 19860823060909I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860823060909I), Aug 23, 1986: Adams A55 (N9064A), Walnut Grove, GA, Minor damage. Envelope struck powerlines after gondola touched down. Lines obscured by shade and trees.
- [Accident 19860420013369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860420013369A), Apr 20, 1986: Adams A55 (N10600), Alachua, FL. During the landing, the wind tipped over the gondola. Two occupants fell on a third, breaking her leg.
- [Incident 19860307025939I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860307025939I), Mar 7, 1986: Adams A55 (N1063A), Orlando, FL. Landed in parking lot of amusement park after wind shift and fuel supply was low. Unauthorized landing site.
- [Incident 19830828067619I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830828067619I), Aug 28, 1983: Adams A55 (N10600), Micanopy, FL. Owners of a horse farm complained hot air balloon flew low over farm. Stampeded horses. One dead. Pilot denied it.
- [Incident 19830526033549I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830526033549I), May 26, 1983: Adams A55 (N1060N), Crystal Lake, IL. Student allowed balloon crown line to become entangled. Unable to deflate on landing. Drifted into wires.
- [Incident 19821121065579I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821121065579I), Nov 21, 1982: Adams A55 (N1062Q), Elgin, IL, Minor damage. Landed in a street short of open field then brushed a building on liftoff to land in the open field.
- [Accident 19800607020079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800607020079A), Jun 7, 1980: Adams A55 (N9073A), Gainesville, FL, Destroyed. Balloon came down over burner during landing. Balloon burned and totally destroyed.
- [Accident 19791209033809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19791209033809A), Dec 9, 1979: Adams A50S (N1060N), Ballwin, MO, Minor damage. Passenger assigned task during landing. Prematurely deflated balloon at 50 ft. balloon made severe hard landing.

## Service difficulty reports (1)

As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report.

- [SDR EY2R9600102](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/EY2R9600102), Aug 1, 1996: RETAIN RING. CRACKED. PROP RETAIN RING CRACKED

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

Approved for this model: the STC's model list names it on its data sheet, or a series that includes it. In force first, then newest. The registry doesn't record which STCs an aircraft has.

- [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 SB02085CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB02085CH): Descriptive data pertaining to this design change are considered inadequate for duplication in other products. This approval is limited to only the installation made in Adams Balloon Loft Model A55, Serial No. 177. Bernava Emelia
- [STC SB02889AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB02889AT): Installation of replacement vapor and liquid fuel hoses including associated fittings. Aeronautical Enterprises Inc

## The same model under other registry codes

Amateur-built copies and renamed makers get their own codes.

- [Adams Balloons A55](https://openairdocs.org/model/adams-balloons-a55): 2 registered aircraft, registry code 0050350
- [Andrew Philip Richardson DBA A55](https://openairdocs.org/model/andrew-philip-richardson-dba-a55): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 005005A

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.