# Balloon Works FIREFLY 8B-15 - Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry) - Registry code: 1050111 - Manufacturer (registry): BALLOON WORKS - Model: FIREFLY 8B-15 - Aircraft type: Balloon - Category: Balloon - Engines: None - Seats: 1 - Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb - Certification: Type certificated - Data sheet: [TCDS A14SO](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A14SO) (OpenAirDocs) - Holder: JR Aerosports Ltd. - Registered aircraft: 123 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/balloon-works-firefly-8b-15 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 (123, first 50) - [N10WL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N10WL): [Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BLUE%20RIDGE%20HOT%20AIR%20BALLOONS%20LLC), [Front Royal, VA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/VA/Front%20Royal), S/N F8B-592 - [N151DW](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N151DW): [Sharpee Thomas R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SHARPEE%20THOMAS%20R), [Brandon, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Brandon), S/N F8B-502 - [N1525G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1525G): [Wagner Cameron B](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WAGNER%20CAMERON%20B), [Casper, WY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WY/Casper), built 2002, S/N F8B-2018 - [N2057F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2057F): [Grand Junction Balloon Port](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GRAND%20JUNCTION%20BALLOON%20PORT), [Fruita, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Fruita), built 2000, S/N F8B-604 - [N2203Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2203Q): [Gower Marshall L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GOWER%20MARSHALL%20L), [Town Creek, AL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AL/Town%20Creek), built 2005, S/N F8B-2074 - [N238ZA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N238ZA): [Suskin Dan](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SUSKIN%20DAN), [Atlanta, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Atlanta), built 1998, S/N F8B-552 - [N25048](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25048): [Carnegie Ronald S Jr](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/CARNEGIE%20RONALD%20S%20JR), [Williamsburg, VA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/VA/Williamsburg), built 1992, S/N F8B-407 - [N25250](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25250): [Baldwin Thomas R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BALDWIN%20THOMAS%20R), [Asbury, NJ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NJ/Asbury), S/N F8B-411 - [N25303](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25303): [Christopher Chris A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/CHRISTOPHER%20CHRIS%20A), [Morgantown, WV](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WV/Morgantown), S/N F8B-412 - [N25326](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25326): [Blair Paul](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BLAIR%20PAUL), [Portales, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Portales), built 1992, S/N F8B-413 - [N2539J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2539J): [Easy Breezes Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/EASY%20BREEZES%20INC), [Pittstown, NJ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NJ/Pittstown), built 1993, S/N F8B-460 - [N25510](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25510): [Blair John C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BLAIR%20JOHN%20C), [Bridgeton, NJ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NJ/Bridgeton), S/N F8B-417 - [N25529](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25529): [Ehlinger Robert E](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/EHLINGER%20ROBERT%20E), [Highlands Ranch, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Highlands%20Ranch), S/N F8B-423 - [N2553F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2553F): [Raya Shawn M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RAYA%20SHAWN%20M), [Highland, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Highland), built 1993, S/N F8B-434 - [N2554Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2554Q): [Lucas Claire M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LUCAS%20CLAIRE%20M), [Vallejo, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Vallejo), S/N F8B-457 - [N25556](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25556): [Ingraham Richard](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/INGRAHAM%20RICHARD), [Littleton, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Littleton), built 1992, S/N F8B-420 - [N2557K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2557K): [Lta Partners LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/LTA%20PARTNERS%20LLC), [Lindon, UT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/UT/Lindon), S/N F8B-444 - [N25619](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25619): [Mabee Bryant J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MABEE%20BRYANT%20J), [Vestal, NY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NY/Vestal), built 1992, S/N F8B-418 - [N2563H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2563H): [Aeronautical Solutions LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AERONAUTICAL%20SOLUTIONS%20LLC), [Taos, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Taos), built 1993, S/N F8B-426 - [N2563Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2563Q): [Aerostat Promotions LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AEROSTAT%20PROMOTIONS%20LLC), [East Granby, CT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CT/East%20Granby), S/N F8B-468 - [N2563Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2563Y): [Gransbury Theodore C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GRANSBURY%20THEODORE%20C), [Plainfield, IN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IN/Plainfield), built 1992, S/N F8B-414 - [N2565Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2565Z): [Hartshorn Sharon](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HARTSHORN%20SHARON), [Amarillo, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Amarillo), S/N F8B-461 - [N25682](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25682): [Studebaker Charles C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/STUDEBAKER%20CHARLES%20C), [Albuquerque, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Albuquerque), S/N F8B-455 - [N2568L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2568L): [Buckles Lyndell G Trustee](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BUCKLES%20LYNDELL%20G%20TRUSTEE), [Naples, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Naples), built 1992, S/N F8B-424 - [N2568S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2568S): [Rutherford Marcia A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RUTHERFORD%20MARCIA%20A), [Castle Rock, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Castle%20Rock), built 1993, S/N F8B-437 - [N2570W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2570W): [Rutan Aaron](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RUTAN%20AARON), [Greentown, IN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IN/Greentown), S/N F8B-428 - [N2570Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2570Y): [City Of Riverton](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/CITY%20OF%20RIVERTON), [Riverton, WY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WY/Riverton), built 1994, S/N F8B-462 - [N25713](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25713): [Maverick Balloons LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MAVERICK%20BALLOONS%20LLC), [Commerce Township, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Commerce%20Township), S/N F8B-465 - [N2575P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2575P): [Campbell Philip L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/CAMPBELL%20PHILIP%20L), [Bayfield, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Bayfield), S/N F8B-436 - [N2578V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2578V): [Waddell Paul Patrick](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WADDELL%20PAUL%20PATRICK), [Front Royal, VA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/VA/Front%20Royal), S/N F8B-480 - [N2579Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2579Z): [Kent Karen S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KENT%20KAREN%20S), [Port Allen, LA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/LA/Port%20Allen), S/N F8B-440 - [N2580F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2580F): [Mullin James G](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MULLIN%20JAMES%20G), [Palisade, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Palisade), built 1993, S/N F8B-443 - [N25823](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25823): [Fritze Mark A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/FRITZE%20MARK%20A), [Tallahassee, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Tallahassee), built 1994, S/N F8B-467 - [N25828](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N25828): [Vaeth John P](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/VAETH%20JOHN%20P), [Colorado Springs, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Colorado%20Springs), S/N F8B-448 - [N2584L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2584L): [Sky Adventures](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SKY%20ADVENTURES), [Oxford, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Oxford), S/N F8B-435 - [N2584X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2584X): [Balloonstormers Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BALLOONSTORMERS%20INC), [Ashland, MO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MO/Ashland), S/N F8B-471 - [N2588U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2588U): [Sky Adventures Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SKY%20ADVENTURES%20INC), [Oxford, MI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MI/Oxford), S/N F8B-483 - [N2592U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2592U): [Field Kimberly A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/FIELD%20KIMBERLY%20A), [Munnsville, NY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NY/Munnsville), built 1995, S/N F8B-478 - [N2597G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2597G): [Sherman Carol L](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SHERMAN%20CAROL%20L), [Kansas City, MO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MO/Kansas%20City), S/N F8B-474 - [N2597Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2597Y): [Nicol Scott M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/NICOL%20SCOTT%20M), [Mesa, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Mesa), S/N F8B-476 - [N3077L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3077L): [Werder Harold D](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WERDER%20HAROLD%20D), [Hudson, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Hudson), built 1994, S/N F8B-473 - [N3078E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3078E): [Egerton Clinton W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/EGERTON%20CLINTON%20W), [Brevard, NC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NC/Brevard), built 1997, S/N F8B-548 - [N3081K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3081K): [Berka Joel M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BERKA%20JOEL%20M), [Binghamton, NY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NY/Binghamton), S/N F8B-498 - [N3084B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3084B): [Powers Daron A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/POWERS%20DARON%20A), [Pewaukee, WI](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/WI/Pewaukee), S/N F8B-489 - [N3087X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3087X): [Ewing Ostergaard Andrea R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/EWING%20OSTERGAARD%20ANDREA%20R), [Crystal Lake, IL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IL/Crystal%20Lake), built 1996, S/N F8B-514 - [N31009](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N31009): [Baldwin Thomas R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BALDWIN%20THOMAS%20R), [Asbury, NJ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NJ/Asbury), S/N F8B-525 - [N31226](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N31226): [Scarberry Wm G Jr](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SCARBERRY%20WM%20G%20JR), [Piney Flats, TN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TN/Piney%20Flats), built 1996, S/N F8B-517 - [N3126F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3126F): [Reid Eric M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/REID%20ERIC%20M), [Albany, OR](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OR/Albany), built 1996, S/N F8B-497 - [N31544](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N31544): [Keller Sarah A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/KELLER%20SARAH%20A), [Huntertown, IN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IN/Huntertown), S/N F8B-544 - [N3171L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3171L): [Goodnow Tony A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GOODNOW%20TONY%20A), [Topeka, KS](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KS/Topeka), built 1996, S/N F8B-493 All 123: https://openairdocs.org/model/balloon-works-firefly-8b-15/aircraft.md ## NTSB investigations (10) 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 WPR22LA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA368), Sep 4, 2022: Firefly Balloons Firefly 8B-15 (N7067F), Las Cruces, NM, no damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent rate during the balloon’s approach to landing, which resulted in a hard landing and serious passenger injury. - [NTSB ERA17LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA243), Jul 15, 2017: Balloon Works Firefly 8B 15 (N3282P), Murfreesboro, TN, no damage. Probable cause: The passenger's failure to let go of the balloon's gondola when the balloon began to ascend. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the balloon after landing,… - [NTSB GAA16LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA172), Mar 12, 2016: Balloon Works FIREFLY8B (N3180S), Rock Hill, SC, no damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for wind, which resulted in the balloon landing hard and a passenger sustaining a serious injury. - [NTSB CEN13CA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA278), May 11, 2013: Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15 (N3171L), Anthony, KS, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to monitor the balloon's altitude, which resulted in the balloon impacting an airport rotating beacon tower. - [NTSB DFW05CA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05CA002), Oct 9, 2004: Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15 (N2563W), Piedmont, OK, destroyed. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with power lines while landing. Contributing factors were the reduced visibility, fog, and low cloud ceiling. - [NTSB DEN01LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01LA158), Sep 2, 2001: Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15 (N2575P), Colo. Springs, CO, minor damage. Probable cause: the passenger's failure to follow instructions given to brace for a high wind landing, and the pilot's failure to adequately monitor the passenger's actions. A contributing factor was the thermal… - [NTSB FTW01LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA154), Jun 23, 2001: Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15 (N72524), Celina, TX, no damage. Probable cause: the unsuitable landing area selected by the pilot-in-command which resulted in a hard landing. A contributing factor was the uneven/rough terrain. - [NTSB DEN99LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA023), Oct 5, 1998: Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15 (N3290G), Albuquerque, NM, no damage. Probable cause: The passenger not following high wind landing procedures/directives which were given to her by the pilot. A factor was the unforecasted high wind condition. - [NTSB NYC98LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA085), Mar 27, 1998: Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15 (N31226), Elk Garden, VA, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's improper weather evaluation. The gusty wind condition was a related factor. - [NTSB FTW96LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA212), May 14, 1996: Balloon Works Firefly 8B-15 (N2577G), Ft. Lupton, CO, no damage. Probable cause: the pasenger's failure to follow the instructions given by the pilot during a briefing. ## FAA accident and incident reports (23) 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. - [Incident 20241224021469I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20241224021469I), Dec 24, 2024: Balloon Works FIREFLY 8B-15 (N3290D), Windsor, VA, Minor damage. After a 45-minute sightseeing flight, the Balloon pilot began preparations to land. He selected an appropriate field to land in. There were distant power lines… - [Incident 20240817021219I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240817021219I), Aug 17, 2024: Balloon Works FIREFLY 8B-15 (N7076D), Albuquerque, NM, Minor damage. On August 17, 2024, at or around 11:20 MST, a firefly 8B-15, hit a fence immediately after landing (incident) at 5767 pinion grande rd. nw in albuqueruqe, NM,… - [Incident 20181014020059I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20181014020059I), Oct 14, 2018: Balloon Works FIREFLY 8B-15 (N3126F), Shedd, OR, Minor damage. After departing albany, Oregon park enroute for field near Shedd Oregon, windspeed became higher then pilot anticipated for the short flight. Pilot was… - [Accident 20170614009379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170614009379A), Jun 14, 2017: Balloon Works FIREFLY 8B-15 (N3282P), Murfreesboro, TN, No damage. Balloon landed and passengers disembarked. Passengers held onto the basket to maintain negative bouncy. Two passengers bent down to grab manuvering handle and… - [Accident 20160312004409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160312004409A), Mar 12, 2016: Balloon Works FIREFLY 8B-15 (N3180S), Rock Hill, SC, No damage. On Saturday March 12, 2016 the pilot was decending for a landing in an open field in a Balloon with a male and female passenger on board. Just prior to touch… - [Incident 20130720014039I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130720014039I), Jul 20, 2013: Balloon Works FIREFLY 8B-15 (N31544), Goshen, IN, No damage. Pilot reported that his passengers saw how gentle the other balloons were landing and must not have been holding on a tight as he told them to. During landing… - [Accident 20130511010559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130511010559A), May 11, 2013: Balloon Works FIREFLY 8B-15 (N3171L), Anthony, KS, Substantial damage. The Balloon with the pilot and two passengers lifted off and obtained an altitude of approximately 200 feet. The pilot was in the process of setting the… - [Incident 20100909044099I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100909044099I), Sep 9, 2010: Balloon Wor FIREFLY 8B- (N3287V), Reno, NV, Minor damage. During the great Reno Balloon races in Reno, Nevada, the pilot departed san rafael park on a media flight. After flying for approximately 30 minutes, the pilot… - [Accident 20041009024119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20041009024119A), Oct 9, 2004: Balwks FIREFLY8B15 (N2563W), Piedmont, OK, Destroyed. (-23) Flight originated at 0900 from a private sw of Piedmont, OK. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, lowering clouds and fog reduced visibility… - [Incident 20030704012769I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030704012769I), Jul 4, 2003: Balwks FIREFLY8B15 (N32850), Orem, UT. (-23) Pilot was attempting landing to open parking lot, wind changed on short final, balloon basket struck top of parked car, no damage to balloon, no… - [Incident 20020707022779I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020707022779I), Jul 7, 2002: Balwks FIREFLY8B15 (N3290G), Broomfield, CO, Minor damage. (-23) Balloon was approaching jeffco airport airspace and pilot decided to land. Made steep approach to vacant building lots in subdivision. Wind was noted to… - [Incident 20010902033639I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010902033639I), Sep 2, 2001: Balwks FIREFLY8B15 (N32896), Correlles, NM, Minor damage. (-23) On Sunday, September 2, 2001, at approximately 08:30, hot air balloon N32896 was making an approach for a landing on a vacant field next to manierre rd,… - [Accident 20010901025069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010901025069A), Sep 1, 2001: Balwks FIREFLY8B15 (N2575P), Colorado Spring, CO, No damage. (-23) Balloon participating in Colorado Springs balloon classic. Encountered gusty winds upon landing, thermal winds lifted the basket after momentary… - [Accident 20010623033529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010623033529A), Jun 23, 2001: Balwks FIREFLY8B15 (N72524), Mc Kinney, TX, No damage. (-23) Mr. George, a lta commercial pilot, was imparting instruction to a student pilot. The student pilot was having difficulty with landings. All landings… - [Accident 19981005039229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19981005039229A), Oct 5, 1998: Balwks FIREFLY8B15 (N3290G), Albuquerque, NM. (.19) On October 5, 1998, at 0808 mountain daylight time, a balloon works firefly 8B-15 balloon, N3290G, was not damaged during a high wind hard landing at… - [Accident 19980327013619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980327013619A), Mar 27, 1998: Balwks FIREFLY8 (N31226), Elk Garden, VA, Substantial damage. On March 27, 1998, about 1750 eastern standard time, N31226, a balloon works, firefly-8B-15, was substantially damaged during a lanidng in Elk Garden ,… - [Incident 19970720027279I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970720027279I), Jul 20, 1997: Balwks FIREFLY8 (N3209M), Charles City, IA, Minor damage. Narrative: departed from a farm field on a supervised solo flight. The student pilot flew approximately ten minutes and landed. The balloon envelope had… - [Incident 19970329042209I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970329042209I), Mar 29, 1997: Balwks FIREFLY8B15 (N2597Y), Oklahoma City, OK, Minor damage. Narrative: poor crew coordination led to premature lift off and subsequent power line strike. The airman received administrative action with a warning letter. - [Accident 19960514046799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960514046799A), May 14, 1996: Balwks FIREFLY8B15 (N2577G), Ft Lupton, CO. (-16) During the accident investigation it was found that none of the FAA nine responsibilities of chapter 1, order 8020.11 were involved in this balloon… - [Incident 19951026039609I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951026039609I), Oct 26, 1995: Balwks FIREFLY8B (N3287N), Vernal, UT. Narrative: on 10-26-95, at 17:00 MDT, Mr. Steven jones a private hot air balloon pilot from Vernal, Utah landed in a field in a high wind and was blown into… - [Incident 19940521025689I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940521025689I), May 21, 1994: Balwks FIREFLY8B (N2594C), Applachin, NY. Struck power line landing in a field. - [Incident 19940509011099I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940509011099I), May 9, 1994: Balwks FIREFLY8B (N25721), Augusta, GA, Minor damage. Wind gust lifted basket from ground as balloon was being inflated. Dragged balloon into powerlines. - [Incident 19940213000839I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940213000839I), Feb 13, 1994: Balwks FIREFLY8 (N2577G), Denver, CO, Minor damage. High winds took balloon out of intended landing area. Landed in railroad yard. Balloon basket was pulled over. ## Service difficulty reports (3) As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report. - [SDR 2004FA0000766](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2004FA0000766), Aug 8, 2004: VALVE. DAMAGED. NOTICED DURING PREFLIGHT INSPECTION 2 OF 4 VALVE WINDOWS SHOWED CRACKING ON EDGES AND CRACKS. TRANSVERSE PASSED SEAMS INTO FLIGHT LOAD AREA. FLIGHT ABORTED. - [SDR 99ZZZX2126](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX2126), Apr 26, 1999: GORE TAPE. DAMAGED. THE GORE TAPES' STIFF, SHARP EDGES ABRAIDED SEVERAL .1250 INCH HOLES TO THE ENVELOPE PANEL FABRIC ATTACHED TO THE GORE TAPE. THERE WERE CREASES AND THE EARLY ST - [SDR 99ZZZX1974](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX1974), Apr 24, 1999: FLEX NET. MISMANUFACTURED. THE FLEX NET STRIP IS ABRADING THE ADJOINING BALLOON FABRIC IN MANY AREAS. IT APPEARS THE FLEX NET TAPE HAS BEEN CUT WITH A HOT KNIFE THAT IS LEAVING ROUGH EDGE ## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (14) 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 SB04407AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB04407AT): Installation of the DBI-III Omega. Balloonacy, Ltd. LLC - [STC SA3251SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA3251SO): Attachment of Balloon appendage. JR Aerosports LTD - [STC SB00078AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00078AT): Installation of Thunder & Colt carriage assemblies under Firefly balloon envelopes. JR Aerosports LTD - [STC SB00565AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00565AT): Installation of Cameron carriage assemblies Under Firefly envelopes. JR Aerosports LTD - [STC SB01015AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB01015AT): Attachment of sea serpent appendage. JR Aerosports LTD - [STC SB01506AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB01506AT): Attachment of Firefly hot air balloon envelopes. JR Aerosports LTD - [STC SB01597AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB01597AT): Attachment of '57 Chevy' appendages. JR Aerosports LTD - [STC SA00680SE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA00680SE): Installation of Electronics International model UBG-16 or UBG-16T bar graph engine analyzer. Electronics International - [STC SB918GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB918GL): Addition of a refueling adapter to the main fuel line. LTA Aviation Inc - [STC SB00407LA](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00407LA): Installation of foam padded tank covers. John Terry - [STC SB00408LA](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00408LA): Installation of protective caps on basket oak runners. Pacific Southwest Aerostats - [STC SA1626NM PAGE 1](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1626NM%20PAGE%201): Installation of Electronics Int'l Digital EGT/CHT Instruments and accessories. (201 Series). Electronics International - [STC SA4302NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA4302NM): Installation of Electronics Int'l digital automatic engine analyzer. Electronics International ## PMA parts (OpenAirDocs) (2) 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. - [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 ## The same model under other registry codes Amateur-built copies and renamed makers get their own codes. - [Firefly Balloons FIREFLY 8B-15](https://openairdocs.org/model/firefly-balloons-firefly-8b-15): 73 registered aircraft, registry code 1050116 - [Firefly Balloons 2010 FIREFLY 8B-15](https://openairdocs.org/model/firefly-balloons-2010-firefly-8b-15): 11 registered aircraft, registry code 105011B --- 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.