# Aerostar International S53A

- Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry)
- Registry code: 7487906
- Manufacturer (registry): AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC
- Model: S53A
- Aircraft type: Balloon
- Category: Balloon
- Engines: None
- Seats: 1
- Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb
- Certification: Type certificated
- Data sheet: [TCDS A15CE](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A15CE) (OpenAirDocs)
- Holder: Balloonacy LLC
- Registered aircraft: 63
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/aerostar-international-s53a

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

## 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 (63, first 50)

- [N120LE](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N120LE): [Hitron John](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HITRON%20JOHN), [Louisville, KY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KY/Louisville), built 2001, S/N 3082
- [N12827](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N12827): [Aerial Adventures LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AERIAL%20ADVENTURES%20LLC), [Burton, OH](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OH/Burton), built 1998, S/N S53A-3047
- [N4078Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4078Z): [Knuth Denise](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KNUTH%20DENISE), [Davenport, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Davenport), built 1997, S/N S53A-3029
- [N4086Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4086Z): [Griffin Marc W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GRIFFIN%20MARC%20W), [Terrell, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Terrell), built 1997, S/N S53A-3030
- [N4091W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4091W): [Lesmeister Michael A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LESMEISTER%20MICHAEL%20A), [Rochester, MN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MN/Rochester), S/N S53A-3032
- [N461SH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N461SH): [Air America Promotions Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AIR%20AMERICA%20PROMOTIONS%20INC), [Deltona, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Deltona), built 1996, S/N S53A-3021
- [N5003F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5003F): [Bender Susanne R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BENDER%20SUSANNE%20R), [Wellsville, NY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NY/Wellsville), built 1998, S/N S53A-3053
- [N5029H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5029H): [Go Hot Air Ballooning Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GO%20HOT%20AIR%20BALLOONING%20INC), [Broken Arrow, OK](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OK/Broken%20Arrow), S/N S53A-3055
- [N50524](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N50524): [Nancy Mcconnell J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/NANCY%20MCCONNELL%20J), [Monticello, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Monticello), built 2003, S/N S53A-3088
- [N5079K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5079K): [Fifield Douglas A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/FIFIELD%20DOUGLAS%20A), [Auburn, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Auburn), built 1999, S/N S53A-3057
- [N5125L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5125L): [Lighter Than Air America](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LIGHTER%20THAN%20AIR%20AMERICA), [Boise, ID](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/ID/Boise), built 1999, S/N S53A-3061
- [N51589](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N51589): [Healy Robert H](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HEALY%20ROBERT%20H), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), built 1999, S/N S53A-3063
- [N51761](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N51761): [Aeronautical Opportunities LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AERONAUTICAL%20OPPORTUNITIES%20LLC), [Taos, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Taos), built 1999, S/N S53A-3067
- [N51777](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N51777): [Wilson Petra](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WILSON%20PETRA), [Hot Springs, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Hot%20Springs), built 1999, S/N S53A-3060
- [N5215B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5215B): [Richardson Molly](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RICHARDSON%20MOLLY), [Brandon, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Brandon), built 1999, S/N S53A-3068
- [N52227](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N52227): [Byberg Bruce E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BYBERG%20BRUCE%20E), [Whitehouse Station, NJ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NJ/Whitehouse%20Station), S/N S53A-3070
- [N5236R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5236R): [Lesmeister Michael A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LESMEISTER%20MICHAEL%20A), [Rochester, MN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MN/Rochester), built 2005, S/N S53A-3091
- [N5252F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5252F): [Ruesch Lyle](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RUESCH%20LYLE), [Sioux Falls, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Sioux%20Falls), built 2003, S/N S53A-3089
- [N52625](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N52625): [Miller Karin S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MILLER%20KARIN%20S), [Meridian, MS](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MS/Meridian), built 2000, S/N S53A-3074
- [N52658](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N52658): [Wahl Mike](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WAHL%20MIKE), [Decatur, AL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AL/Decatur), built 2000, S/N S53A-3075
- [N5266T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5266T): [Christensen Balloons LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/CHRISTENSEN%20BALLOONS%20LLC), [Hot Springs, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Hot%20Springs), built 2000, S/N S53A-3073
- [N52734](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N52734): [Allen Scott](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ALLEN%20SCOTT), [Overland Park, KS](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KS/Overland%20Park), S/N S53A-3076
- [N5278T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5278T): [Liberty Bell Project Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LIBERTY%20BELL%20PROJECT%20INC), [Rochester, MN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MN/Rochester), built 2002, S/N S53A-3077
- [N5282V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5282V): [Morgan David](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MORGAN%20DAVID), [Ferndale, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Ferndale), built 2000, S/N S53A-3079
- [N52845](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N52845): [Rodden John L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RODDEN%20JOHN%20L), [Owasso, OK](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OK/Owasso), S/N S53A-3081
- [N5286D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5286D): [Barrett Andrew J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BARRETT%20ANDREW%20J), [Tampa, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Tampa), built 2000, S/N S53A-3078
- [N5294J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5294J): [Dakota Balloons LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DAKOTA%20BALLOONS%20LLC), [Hot Springs, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Hot%20Springs), built 2001, S/N S53A-3084
- [N53138](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N53138): [Rushkarski Dawne Renae](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RUSHKARSKI%20DAWNE%20RENAE), [Monroe, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Monroe), built 2002, S/N S53A-3086
- [N5318J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5318J): [Wilson Brian A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WILSON%20BRIAN%20A), [Hot Springs, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Hot%20Springs), S/N S53A-3087
- [N699WH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N699WH): [Robey Samuel B](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ROBEY%20SAMUEL%20B), [Gladewater, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Gladewater), built 2000, S/N S53A-3071
- [N69FT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N69FT): [Endeavor Aviation Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ENDEAVOR%20AVIATION%20INC), [Belgrade, MT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MT/Belgrade), built 1995, S/N S53A-3006
- [N69MQ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N69MQ): [Sproul Keith A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SPROUL%20KEITH%20A), [North Brunswick, NJ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NJ/North%20Brunswick), built 2000, S/N S53A-3080
- [N7064M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7064M): [Wahl Michael Robert](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WAHL%20MICHAEL%20ROBERT), [Decatur, AL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AL/Decatur), built 1994, S/N S53A-3002
- [N7098T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7098T): [Aeroink Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AEROINK%20INC), [Tempe, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Tempe), built 1995, S/N S53A-3004
- [N7099V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7099V): [Delucia Joseph](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DELUCIA%20JOSEPH), [Hopewell, NJ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NJ/Hopewell), built 1995, S/N S53A-3007
- [N7105J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7105J): [Coffer Erika J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/COFFER%20ERIKA%20J), [Harvard, IL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IL/Harvard), built 1995, S/N S53A-3008
- [N7108M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7108M): [Adams Tyler J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ADAMS%20TYLER%20J), [Kennewick, WA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WA/Kennewick), built 1995, S/N S53A-3010
- [N7128D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7128D): [Speicher Kerry J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SPEICHER%20KERRY%20J), [Longview, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Longview), built 1995, S/N S53A-3011
- [N7131N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7131N): [Young Carl E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/YOUNG%20CARL%20E), [De Witt, IA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IA/De%20Witt), built 1995, S/N S53A-3012
- [N7132H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7132H): [Olson T J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/OLSON%20T%20J), [Sioux Falls, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Sioux%20Falls), built 1995, S/N S53A-3013
- [N71361](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N71361): [Mouser Emily S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MOUSER%20EMILY%20S), [Canton, OH](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OH/Canton), S/N S53A-3015
- [N7138J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7138J): [Tippy Toeing LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/TIPPY%20TOEING%20LLC), [Lawrenceburg, KY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KY/Lawrenceburg), built 1995, S/N S53A-3016
- [N7145C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7145C): [Dickey Frank B](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DICKEY%20FRANK%20B), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), built 1995, S/N S53A-3018
- [N7152J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7152J): [Cato Josh L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/CATO%20JOSH%20L), [Paris, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Paris), built 1996, S/N S53A-3020
- [N71588](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N71588): [Scarpinatto Joseph Knox](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SCARPINATTO%20JOSEPH%20KNOX), [Scottsville, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Scottsville), built 1998, S/N S53A-3022
- [N7161S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7161S): [Williams Donal L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WILLIAMS%20DONAL%20L), [Burlington, VT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/VT/Burlington), built 1996, S/N S53A-3025
- [N7175C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7175C): [Carroll Kevin J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/CARROLL%20KEVIN%20J), [Cincinnati, OH](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OH/Cincinnati), S/N S53A-3027
- [N7654F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7654F): [Oliviann Balloons LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/OLIVIANN%20BALLOONS%20LLC), [Hodgenville, KY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KY/Hodgenville), built 2003, S/N S53A-3090
- [N8755R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8755R): [Dailey Patrick](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DAILEY%20PATRICK), [Bardstown, KY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KY/Bardstown), built 1996, S/N S53A-3019
- [N90415](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N90415): [Miller Howard G Jr](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MILLER%20HOWARD%20G%20JR), [Atmore, AL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AL/Atmore), built 1997, S/N S53A-3034

All 63: https://openairdocs.org/model/aerostar-international-s53a/aircraft.md

## NTSB investigations (3)

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 CEN24LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA139), Mar 21, 2024: Aerostar International S53A (N5236R), Rochester, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while landing in a field.
- [NTSB CEN23LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA006), Oct 7, 2022: Aerostar International S53A (N9140F), Albuquerque, NM, minor damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s inability to find a suitable landing area in a critical fuel situation and his decision to land on a highway, which resulted in the balloon impacting a bridge railing and terrain.
- [NTSB DFW05LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA125), May 19, 2005: Aerostar International S53A (N699WH), Shreveport, LA, substantial damage, 2 fatal. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from electrical power lines.

## FAA accident and incident reports (6)

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 20240320002639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240320002639A), Mar 20, 2024: Aerostar International Inc S53A (N5236R), Rochester, MN, Substantial damage. Description: the PIC began a personal flight with passengers with the balloon tethered to the ground. Once airborne, the PIC found the conditions to be…
- [Accident 20221007016669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20221007016669A), Oct 7, 2022: Aerostar AERSTR-S53 (N9140F), Albuquerque, NM, Minor damage. On October 7, 2022, at 0930 MST, [privacy data omitted] an Aerostar S-53A balloon, [privacy data omitted] hit a known object while landing. The certificated…
- [Incident 20090509005379I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090509005379I), May 9, 2009: Arostr S53A (N5252H), Walla Walla, WA, Minor damage. (-23) [privacy data omitted] was acting as pilot in command of N525H a lta Aerostar international. In an attempt to land at the lions park he misjudged his…
- [Incident 20050911020479I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050911020479I), Sep 11, 2005: Arostr S53A (N90853), Reno, NV. (-23) The pilot of N90583 used maximum venting at an approximate altitude of 400 feet AGL reportedly to avoid contact between the envelope of his balloon and…
- [Accident 20050518009659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050518009659A), May 18, 2005: Arostr S53A (N699WH), Shreveport, LA, Substantial damage, 2 fatal. (-23) Balloon with pilot and one passenger struck and became entangled in pwerline. Balloon basket became engulfed in flames due to arcing from powerlines.…
- [Incident 19981009039039I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19981009039039I), Oct 9, 1998: Arostr S53A (N7098T), Albuquerque, NM, Minor damage. Pilot bounced balloon on initial landing and pilot hit burner to recover when he should have vented and accepted the bounce. The increased lift charried…

## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (8)

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 SB10564SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB10564SC): Installation of Night Position Lights. Highland Balloon Repair, CRS NHMD682X
- [STC SB01030CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB01030CH): Replace Aerostar Basket/BurnerFuel Tanks with a Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Thunder & Colt) Basket/Burner/Fuel Tanks. Balloonacy LLC
- [STC SB146CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB146CH): Replace Aerostar Basket/Burner with a Cameron Basket/Burner. Balloonacy LLC
- [STC SB09657RC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB09657RC): Installation of Aircraft Position Lights. Albuquerque Balloon Center, Inc
- [STC SB04407AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB04407AT): Installation of the DBI-III Omega. Balloonacy, Ltd. LLC
- [STC SB917GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB917GL): Addition of a refueling adapter to the main fuel line. LTA Aviation Inc
- [STC SB00601NY](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00601NY): Installation of Aerostat Envelopes model W-100-4 replacement envelope. DiGiovanni Ronald T
- [STC SB00407LA](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00407LA): Installation of foam padded tank covers. John Terry

## PMA parts (OpenAirDocs) (6)

Current parts manufacturer approvals (PMA): parts the FAA has approved companies to make as replacements or modifications. Each record lists its models as free text; OpenAirDocs matched them to this model on its data sheet, so check the FAA record before relying on it. Newest first.

- [P/N SAT-52942](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/E1B71AB26CF08AFA86257D510058B625.0001): Deflation Panel S53A Parachute. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 52942 · Sep 10, 2014
- [P/N SAT-52486](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/A9409B80D413259986257D510058B1C6.0001): Skirt Dipper ELS/ELSS, S49A/S51H/S53A. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 52486 · Sep 10, 2014
- [P/N SAT-53089](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/67DFEF5847094BE386257D510058B3A5.0001): Skirt Dipper S49A/S51A/S53A CW/RWSW. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 53089 · Sep 10, 2014
- [ARP52824-6](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/27E46DDE617DFEF786257B080075B58B.0001): Cable Pair A, 4 point, S49A/S51A/S53A, Caribiner/Kevlar Susp. Balloonacy ltd LLC · PMA PQ4173CE · Replaces 52824-6 · Jan 24, 2013
- [All parts noted on John Terry Master Drawing List TCC 001 as listed on Approved Model List SB00408LA](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/2F62196899E6528D8525704D004C82BC.0001): Tank Cover. Terry Associates · Modification part · Nov 6, 2000
- [All parts noted on MDL TCC 001 as listed on AML No. SB00408LA](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/C97689D806730C3A8525704D004C84D0.0001): Tank Cover. Terry Associates - Aerostatic Engineering · Modification part · Sep 2, 1997

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