Aircraft model · Balloon · Balloon · registry code 0050105

Manufacturer (registry)
ADAMS BALLOON
Model
A55S
Registry code
0050105
Registered
35 aircraft
Type
Balloon
Engines
None
Weight class
Up to 12,499 lb
Cruise speed
30 mph
Certification
Type certificated
Data sheet
TCDSA15SO
Holder
Adams Aerostats LLC

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

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Aircraft by year built · 55

1975Registered nowDeregistered2026
Aircraft by the year they were built: 55 aircraft
19752
19763
19781
19791
19815
19828
19837
19847
19855
19866
19878
19881
19901

Airworthiness directives that may apply · 2

ADs whose products match this airframe model. Each AD’s applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or configuration.

1976In forceSuperseded2026
ADs by the year they took effect: 2 ADs
19761
20131
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT d.ad_number, d.status, d.subject, d.effective_date
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_directive.parquet' d
  WHERE d.ad_id IN (SELECT ad_id FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_directive.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('0050105'))
  ORDER BY coalesce(d.effective_date, d.publication_date, d.issue_date) DESC, d.ad_number DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

Information bulletins that may apply · 1

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT s.saib_number, any_value(s.title) AS title, max(s.issue_date) AS issue_date, any_value(s.status) AS status
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_saib.parquet' s
  WHERE s.saib_id IN (SELECT saib_id FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_saib.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('0050105'))
  GROUP BY s.saib_number ORDER BY issue_date DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

Registered aircraft · 35

See all 35 registered aircraft
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT n_number, serial_number, year_manufactured, status, registrant_name, registrant_city, registrant_state
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_registration.parquet'
  WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('0050105')
  ORDER BY n_number"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

NTSB investigations · 7

Aircraft matched to this model through the registry, by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model.

NTSB DEN07CA011Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAdams A55S · Albuquerque, NMthe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision. A contributing factor was the unfavorable wind.Oct 15, 2006 · N9019A · Substantial damageNTSB DEN00LA062Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAdams A55S · Los Lunas, NMThe pilot's decision not to deflate the envelope. A factor was the wind gust.Mar 18, 2000 · N4035T · Substantial damageNTSB ATL99LA103Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAdams A55S · Woodstock, GAA loose connection between the fuel line fitting and the burner assembly which resulted in a fire.Jul 4, 1999 · N9808S · DestroyedNTSB FTW98LA064Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAdams A55S · Gallup, NMfailure of the ground crewman to follow proper procedures. A factor relating to the accident was: the passenger failed to follow the pilot's verbal instructions.Dec 6, 1997 · N1063V · No damageNTSB ATL88LA204Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAdams A55S · Collierville, TNA multiple balloon flight was being conducted to obtain publicity for the local balloon club. Television exposure of balloon flights had been shot and the balloons were in the process of landing. The reporter/passenger in the accident balloon had been through…Jun 29, 1988 · N9807N · No damageNTSB CHI84LA242Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAdams A55S · Grayslake, ILThe plt stated that as the balloon touched down, he lost his footing & his left ankle slipped into the corner of the gondala. He suffered a fractured, dislocated ankle.Jun 1, 1984 · N1062G · No damageNTSB CHI82DA197Accident · No injuriesFinal reportAdams A55 · Fritchton, INThe pilot decided to land due to deteriorating weather. A descent was initiated but the pilot was waved off by the owner of the property. The pilot regained altitude and landed in a corn field. A gust of wind caused the balloon to drift, the basket was drug…May 31, 1982 · N1062S · Substantial damage
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c.\"mKey\" = a.case_mkey
  WHERE a.aircraft_model_code IN ('0050105')
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

FAA incident reports · 15

Matched to this model through the registry, by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model.

Accident 20061015021249AAdams A55S · Albuquerque, NM(-23) On October 15, 2006 at 0850 an Adams A55S balloon, owned and operated by the pilot [privacy data omitted] hit power lines while attempting to land 3 miles north of Albuquerque international sunport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time…Oct 15, 2006 · N9019A · Substantial damageIncident 20000512027639IAdams A55S · Middleville, MI(-23)During climb the pilot light went out on the burner, balloon started to decend and hit a power line. Pilot relit the pilot light and landed at the first safe spot. Minor damage to the basket. One passenger suffered a bruise and a burn to his head.May 12, 2000 · N4033K · Minor damageAccident 20000318004069AAdams A55S · Los Lunas, NM(.4)The st. patrick's balloon rally weather briefing indicated calm surface winds. Winds aloft were greater than 20 knots, and the level was expected to drop later that morning. On a previous flight, the winds aloft had been negligible, then varied between…Mar 18, 2000 · N4035T · Substantial damageAccident 19990704008289AAdams A55S · Woodstock, GAAdams hot air balloon caught fire, crashed into a house, and the house also caught fire, other circumstances are unknown. (-23) pilot [privacy data omitted] was operating hot air balloon N9808S at night near alpharetta, GA. The balloon was on a tether when a…Jul 4, 1999 · N9808S · DestroyedAccident 19971206037379AAdams A55S · Gallup, NMPassengers debarked. Balloon rose. One ground crew carried to 40FT AGL then fell 40FT to ground. (-23) on 12/06/97, approximately 0925 mountain standard time, a ground crew member was fatally injured while trying to secure N1063V, an Adams A55S, hot air…Dec 6, 1997 · N1063V · 1 fatalIncident 19970419012719IAdams A55S · Truth And Conse, NMNarrative: on 4/19/97 at approximately 0735 am N9008M, an Adams A55S balloon intiated an approach for landing at elephant butte state park, NE of Truth or consequences, NM the balloon contacted two power lines shortly before touchdown. The pilot stated he did…Apr 19, 1997 · N9008A · Minor damageIncident 19951208041809IAdams A55S · Park City, UTPilot light went out landing. Unable relight. Landed in field. Envelope draped over wires. Used good judgement.Dec 8, 1995 · N1059YIncident 19950812039269IAdams A55S · Park City, UTNarrative: during approach to landing the pilot light went out. The pilot attempted to relight the burner but was unable. The pilot elected to land the balloon prior to reaching power lines and as the envelope deflated, it drifted over the power lines which…Aug 12, 1995 · N1059YAccident 19880629025409AAdams A55S · Collierville, TNBalloon basket caught on a rut on landing and overturned. A passenger was thrown out and injured. Failed to hold onJun 29, 1988 · N9807NIncident 19840617037179IAdams A55S · Lebanon, OHBalloon struck and severed powerlines during an approach to a landing in a field. Pilot blamed a change in wind.Jun 17, 1984 · N1060M · Minor damageAccident 19840531026579AAdams A55S · Grayslake, ILPilot received a fractured ankle during a high speed hard landing. Was improperly braced for the landing.May 31, 1984 · N1062GAccident 19820530025589AAdams A55S · Frichton, INBalloon caught in gusty winds during landing. Pilot claims weather was not forecast.May 30, 1982 · N1062S · Substantial damageIncident 19810103009979IAdams A55S · Jacksonville, FLPilot landed balloon within 2000 feet south of runway without radio contact with tower.Jan 3, 1981 · N9069AIncident 19800921088759IAdams A55S · Jacksonville, FLPilot light went out on hot air balloon. Before relight could be done craft went into water.Sep 21, 1980 · N9069A · Minor damageIncident 19780516034069IAdams A55 · Bold Springs, GABalloon pilot landed in trees due to darkness and low fuel supply.May 16, 1978 · N9049A · Minor damage
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT report_number, event_date, event_type, city, state, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, aircraft_damage, fatal_injuries, n_number
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_incident_report.parquet'
  WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('0050105')
  ORDER BY event_date DESC, report_number DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

Service difficulty reports · 3

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT sdr_id, difficulty_date, n_number, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, part_name, part_condition, jasc_code, discrepancy
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_service_difficulty_report.parquet'
  WHERE aircraft_model_key = 'A55S'
  ORDER BY difficulty_date DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

STCs that may be installed · 4

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

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT s.stc_number, s.description, s.holder, s.status, s.status_date, m.matched_model
  FROM (
    SELECT stc_number, min(matched_model) AS matched_model
    FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_stc.parquet'
    WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('0050105')
    GROUP BY stc_number
  ) m JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_stc.parquet' s USING (stc_number)
  ORDER BY s.status = 'Current' DESC, s.status_date DESC, s.stc_number"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

The same model under other registry codes

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

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT m.code, m.manufacturer, m.model, count(g.n_number) AS aircraft
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model.parquet' m LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_registration.parquet' g ON g.aircraft_model_code = m.code
  WHERE m.match_key = 'A55S' AND m.code NOT IN ('0050105')
  GROUP BY ALL
  ORDER BY aircraft DESC
  LIMIT 12"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.