# Adams Balloon A55S - Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry) - Registry code: 0050105 - Manufacturer (registry): ADAMS BALLOON - Model: A55S - Aircraft type: Balloon - Category: Balloon - Engines: None - Seats: 0 - Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb - Cruise speed: 30 mph - Certification: Type certificated - Data sheet: [TCDS A15SO](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A15SO) (OpenAirDocs) - Holder: Adams Aerostats LLC - Registered aircraft: 35 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/adams-balloon-a55s 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 (35) - [N1059Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1059Y): [Zielinski Gary R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ZIELINSKI%20GARY%20R), [Gainesville, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Gainesville), built 1982, S/N 092 - [N1062G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1062G): [Canaday Bruce S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/CANADAY%20BRUCE%20S), [Woodstock, IL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IL/Woodstock), built 1981, S/N 078 - [N1062K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1062K): [Joslin James E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/JOSLIN%20JAMES%20E), [Emily, MN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MN/Emily), built 1982, S/N 103 - [N1062S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1062S): [Depew Michael P](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DEPEW%20MICHAEL%20P), [Nashua, NH](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NH/Nashua), built 1981, S/N 082 - [N10634](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N10634): [Olive Jonathan Scott](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/OLIVE%20JONATHAN%20SCOTT), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), built 1982, S/N 108 - [N10636](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N10636): [What A Wind LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WHAT%20A%20WIND%20LLC), [Mattawan, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Mattawan), built 1982, S/N 111 - [N1063V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1063V): [Fear Katrina Mj](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/FEAR%20KATRINA%20MJ), [Rio Rancho, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Rio%20Rancho), built 1982, S/N 099 - [N1063Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1063Y): [Beard Jeffrey M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BEARD%20JEFFREY%20M), [Sedona, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Sedona), built 1982, S/N 109 - [N116FS](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N116FS): [Lowenstein Albert L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LOWENSTEIN%20ALBERT%20L), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), S/N 171 - [N1913G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1913G): [Payne Ralph J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/PAYNE%20RALPH%20J), [Hastings, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Hastings), built 1983, S/N 122 - [N40206](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40206): [Reeder Eric L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/REEDER%20ERIC%20L), [Hastings, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Hastings), built 1983, S/N 129 - [N40229](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40229): [Dimmitt William C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DIMMITT%20WILLIAM%20C), [Los Lunas, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Los%20Lunas), built 1985, S/N 162 - [N40302](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40302): [Moughan Peter Richard III](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MOUGHAN%20PETER%20RICHARD%20III), [Milan, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Milan), S/N 150 - [N40320](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40320): [Campbell Brittany R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/CAMPBELL%20BRITTANY%20R), [Los Lunas, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Los%20Lunas), S/N 151 - [N4034A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4034A): [Abecca Corporation](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ABECCA%20CORPORATION), [Jackson, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Jackson), built 1984, S/N 140 - [N4034F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4034F): [Magee Brian T](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MAGEE%20BRIAN%20T), [Rochester, NY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NY/Rochester), S/N 158 - [N4035P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4035P): [Bristol David W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BRISTOL%20DAVID%20W), [Sautee Nacoochee, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Sautee%20Nacoochee), built 1985, S/N 154 - [N4035T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4035T): [Hawkins Charles W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HAWKINS%20CHARLES%20W), [Fairacres, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Fairacres), built 1984, S/N 139 - [N4035Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4035Y): [Kerr Robert Charles](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KERR%20ROBERT%20CHARLES), [Mason, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Mason), built 1984, S/N 145 - [N6000S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6000S): [Kerr Robert C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KERR%20ROBERT%20C), [Mason, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Mason), S/N 56C200 - [N67008](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N67008): [Hardin John M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HARDIN%20JOHN%20M), [Terrell, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Terrell), S/N 075 - [N79AZ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N79AZ): [Sparks Bobby G](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SPARKS%20BOBBY%20G), [Slatington, PA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/PA/Slatington), S/N 172 - [N9019A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9019A): [Cowen David M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/COWEN%20DAVID%20M), [Corrales, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Corrales), S/N 017 - [N9023A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9023A): [Dimmitt William C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DIMMITT%20WILLIAM%20C), [Los Lunas, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Los%20Lunas), S/N 019 - [N9049A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9049A): [Gunter Ryan S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GUNTER%20RYAN%20S), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), S/N 018 - [N9060A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9060A): [Gunter Ryan S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GUNTER%20RYAN%20S), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), S/N 026 - [N9801N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9801N): [Erickson Karl L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ERICKSON%20KARL%20L), [Hope, ME](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/ME/Hope), built 1986, S/N 0165 - [N9804N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9804N): [Gauthier Travis G](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GAUTHIER%20TRAVIS%20G), [Waterford, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Waterford), built 1986, S/N 170 - [N9805S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9805S): [Depew Michael P](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DEPEW%20MICHAEL%20P), [Mechanicsburg, PA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/PA/Mechanicsburg), S/N 180 - [N9806N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9806N): [Trillanes Mark A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/TRILLANES%20MARK%20A), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), built 1986, S/N 173 - [N9808S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9808S): [Martin Pamela M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MARTIN%20PAMELA%20M), [Newnan, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Newnan), S/N 179 - [N98098](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N98098): [Hodge Steven J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HODGE%20STEVEN%20J), [Tucson, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Tucson), S/N 189 - [N9812Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9812Y): [Bucket List Adventures LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BUCKET%20LIST%20ADVENTURES%20LLC), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), S/N 192 - [N9818J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9818J): [Payne Ralph J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/PAYNE%20RALPH%20J), [Hastings, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Hastings), S/N 176 - [N9819Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9819Q): [Jones Dan E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/JONES%20DAN%20E), [Hilton Head Island, SC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SC/Hilton%20Head%20Island), S/N 184 ## NTSB investigations (7) 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 DEN07CA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA011), Oct 15, 2006: Adams A55S (N9019A), Albuquerque, NM, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision. A contributing factor was the unfavorable wind. - [NTSB DEN00LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00LA062), Mar 18, 2000: Adams A55S (N4035T), Los Lunas, NM, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's decision not to deflate the envelope. A factor was the wind gust. - [NTSB ATL99LA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL99LA103), Jul 4, 1999: Adams A55S (N9808S), Woodstock, GA, destroyed. Probable cause: A loose connection between the fuel line fitting and the burner assembly which resulted in a fire. - [NTSB FTW98LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA064), Dec 6, 1997: Adams A55S (N1063V), Gallup, NM, no damage, 1 fatal. Probable cause: failure 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. - [NTSB ATL88LA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA204), Jun 29, 1988: Adams A55S (N9807N), Collierville, TN, no damage - [NTSB CHI84LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA242), Jun 1, 1984: Adams A55S (N1062G), Grayslake, IL, no damage - [NTSB CHI82DA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA197), May 31, 1982: Adams A55 (N1062S), Fritchton, IN, substantial damage ## FAA accident and incident reports (15) 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 20061015021249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20061015021249A), Oct 15, 2006: Adams A55S (N9019A), Albuquerque, NM, Substantial damage. (-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… - [Incident 20000512027639I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000512027639I), May 12, 2000: Adams A55S (N4033K), Middleville, MI, Minor damage. (-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… - [Accident 20000318004069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000318004069A), Mar 18, 2000: Adams A55S (N4035T), Los Lunas, NM, Substantial damage. (.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… - [Accident 19990704008289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990704008289A), Jul 4, 1999: Adams A55S (N9808S), Woodstock, GA, Destroyed. Adams hot air balloon caught fire, crashed into a house, and the house also caught fire, other circumstances are unknown. (-23) pilot [privacy data omitted]… - [Accident 19971206037379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19971206037379A), Dec 6, 1997: Adams A55S (N1063V), Gallup, NM, 1 fatal. Passengers 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,… - [Incident 19970419012719I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970419012719I), Apr 19, 1997: Adams A55S (N9008A), Truth And Conse, NM, Minor damage. Narrative: 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… - [Incident 19951208041809I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951208041809I), Dec 8, 1995: Adams A55S (N1059Y), Park City, UT. Pilot light went out landing. Unable relight. Landed in field. Envelope draped over wires. Used good judgement. - [Incident 19950812039269I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950812039269I), Aug 12, 1995: Adams A55S (N1059Y), Park City, UT. Narrative: 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… - [Accident 19880629025409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880629025409A), Jun 29, 1988: Adams A55S (N9807N), Collierville, TN. Balloon basket caught on a rut on landing and overturned. A passenger was thrown out and injured. Failed to hold on - [Incident 19840617037179I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840617037179I), Jun 17, 1984: Adams A55S (N1060M), Lebanon, OH, Minor damage. Balloon struck and severed powerlines during an approach to a landing in a field. Pilot blamed a change in wind. - [Accident 19840531026579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840531026579A), May 31, 1984: Adams A55S (N1062G), Grayslake, IL. Pilot received a fractured ankle during a high speed hard landing. Was improperly braced for the landing. - [Accident 19820530025589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820530025589A), May 30, 1982: Adams A55S (N1062S), Frichton, IN, Substantial damage. Balloon caught in gusty winds during landing. Pilot claims weather was not forecast. - [Incident 19810103009979I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19810103009979I), Jan 3, 1981: Adams A55S (N9069A), Jacksonville, FL. Pilot landed balloon within 2000 feet south of runway without radio contact with tower. - [Incident 19800921088759I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800921088759I), Sep 21, 1980: Adams A55S (N9069A), Jacksonville, FL, Minor damage. Pilot light went out on hot air balloon. Before relight could be done craft went into water. - [Incident 19780516034069I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19780516034069I), May 16, 1978: Adams A55 (N9049A), Bold Springs, GA, Minor damage. Balloon pilot landed in trees due to darkness and low fuel supply. ## Service difficulty reports (3) As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report. - [SDR 2020FA0000151](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2020FA0000151), Feb 12, 2020: PULLEY. OUT OF TOLERANCE. THE PULLEYS USED IN THE VENT (RED) LINE ASSEMBLY ONE AT THE PARACHUTE AND ONE AT THE SIDE TO THE ENVELOPE NEAR THE BOTTOM ARE UNDER DESIGNED AND NOT RAISED FOR - [SDR 2020FA0000150](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2020FA0000150), Feb 12, 2020: VENT. OUT OF TOLERANCE. THE PULLEYS USED IN THE VENT (RED) LINE ASSEMBLY ONE AT THE PARACHUTE AND ONE AT THE SIDE TO THE ENVELOPE NEAR THE BOTTOM ARE UNDER DESIGNED AND NOT RAISED FOR - [SDR 2019FA0000057](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2019FA0000057), Jan 7, 2019: PULLEY. WARPED. THE PULLEYS USED IN THE RED(VENT) LINE ASSEMBLY (ONE AT THE PARACHUTE TOP, ONE ON THE SIDE OF THE ENVELOPE NEAR THE BOTTOM) ARE UNDER-DESIGNED, UNDER-SPECIFIED ## 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 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 ## The same model under other registry codes Amateur-built copies and renamed makers get their own codes. - [Adams Balloons A55S](https://openairdocs.org/model/adams-balloons-a55s): 10 registered aircraft, registry code 0050355 - [Andrew Philip Richardson DBA A55S](https://openairdocs.org/model/andrew-philip-richardson-dba-a55s): 8 registered aircraft, registry code 0050055 - [Adams Balloon Loft A55S](https://openairdocs.org/model/adams-balloon-loft-a55s): 1 registered aircraft, registry code 0066350 - [Elizabeth Adams Walz A55S](https://openairdocs.org/model/elizabeth-adams-walz-a55s): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 0050450 --- 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.