# Balloon Works FIREFLY 9 - Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry) - Registry code: 1050120 - Manufacturer (registry): BALLOON WORKS - Model: FIREFLY 9 - 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: 3 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/balloon-works-firefly-9 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 (3) - [N2570E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2570E): [Dekoevend Enterprises Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/DEKOEVEND%20ENTERPRISES%20INC), [Fort Garland, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Fort%20Garland), built 1995, S/N F9-060 - [N3085Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3085Z): [Aeronautical Solutions LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AERONAUTICAL%20SOLUTIONS%20LLC), [Taos, NM](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NM/Taos), built 1997, S/N F9-069 - [N7027A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7027A): [Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ROCKY%20MOUNTAIN%20BALLOON%20ADVENTURES%20LLC), [Pagosa Springs, CO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CO/Pagosa%20Springs), built 2000, S/N F9-075 ## 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 DFW08LA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08LA088), Mar 30, 2008: Balloon Works Firefly 9 (N72345), Questa, NM, destroyed. Probable cause: The balloon's encounter with a wind gust/downdraft during landing, which resulted in a hard landing. - [NTSB SEA04CA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04CA109), Jun 17, 2004: Balloon Works Fire Fly 9 (N3097R), Aurora, OR, minor damage. Probable cause: Pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions. Wind was a contributing factor. - [NTSB DEN99IA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99IA154), Aug 11, 1999: Balloon Works Firefly 9 (N2570E), Hartsel, CO, incident, minor damage. Probable cause: Total failure of the deflation line due to heat damage (as evidenced by glazing), most likely caused by the improper use of the flight controls (burner system) by person(s) unknown. - [NTSB NYC98LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA199), Aug 15, 1998: Balloon Works Firefly AX-9 (N3141C), Brookhaven, NY, no damage. Probable cause: The failure of the passenger to comply with the pilot briefing, and properly brace herself for landing. - [NTSB DEN91LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA007), Oct 7, 1990: Balloon Works AX9 (N90240), Cedar Crest, NM, substantial damage. Probable cause: PILOT'S DELAYED PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AND THE SUBSEUQENT FUEL EXHAUSTION. A FACTOR WAS THE ENCOUNTER WITH HIGH WINDS IN FLIGHT. - [NTSB LAX90LA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA340), Sep 29, 1990: Balloon Works Firefly 9 (N90902), Vacaville, CA, no damage. Probable cause: THE BALLOON'S ENCOUNTER WITH A SUDDEN INCREASE IN WIND SPEED ACCOMPAINED BY A STRONG DOWN DRAFT BEYOND THE COMPENSATION CAPABILITY OF THE BALLOON. - [NTSB LAX90LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA280), Aug 7, 1990: Balloon Works Firefly 9 (N9090M), Napa, CA, destroyed. Probable cause: THE FLIGHT'S ENCOUNTER WITH A PROBABLE MICROBURST WEATHER PHENOMENA WITH DOWN DRAFTS AND WINDS BEYOND THE PERFORMANCE CAPABILITY OF THE BALLOON. ## FAA accident and incident reports (11) 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 20080331832199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080331832199A), Mar 31, 2008: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N72345), Questa, NM, Destroyed. (-23) On March 31, at 0830 MDT a balloon works firefly 140 FF9, N72345, was destroyed in a fire after a hard landing in a valley in the wild river park west of… - [Accident 20040617011029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040617011029A), Jun 17, 2004: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N3097R), Aurora, OR. (-23) Lighter-than-air free balloon with a pilot and six passengers experienced a harder than normal landing after encountering strong gusty wind conditions.… - [Incident 19990811027559I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990811027559I), Aug 11, 1999: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N2570E), Hartsel, CO, Minor damage. (-23) As balloon approached it touchdown point, pilot pulled the ripcord to allow hot gases to escape the envelope. The ripcord broke and the basket touched… - [Incident 19960622025429I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960622025429I), Jun 22, 1996: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N9088W), Millersburg, MO, Minor damage. Narrative: on June 22, 1996, Mr. Jason eugene jones operated balloon works, firefly 9, N9088W, as pilot in command near Millersburg, Missouri. N9088W is owned… - [Incident 19960320010569I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960320010569I), Mar 20, 1996: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N90738), Palm Desert, CA. Narrative: commercial sight seeing flight. Pilot was attempting to land in a large field. Power poles were obscured by trees. Didn't see power lines until last… - [Incident 19950520026159I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950520026159I), May 20, 1995: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N9075D), San Diego, CA, Minor damage. Basket hit a boulder landing tipping pilot and passengers out. Became airborn. Passenger landed the balloon. - [Incident 19930819033979I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930819033979I), Aug 19, 1993: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N90772), Pineville, NC. Passenger felt faint. Upon landing basket tipped over. Appears passenger broke wrist. - [Incident 19910809043309I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910809043309I), Aug 9, 1991: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N9030S), Tracy, CA. When rope with quick release was used a gust caught balloon. Rope snapped back hitting passengers face. - [Accident 19901006045079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901006045079A), Oct 6, 1990: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N90240), Cedar Crest, NM, Substantial damage. Wind speed increased during sightseeing flight. Elected to extend flight over mountains. Out of fuel crash landed. - [Accident 19900929050179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900929050179A), Sep 29, 1990: Balwks FIREFLY9 (N90902), Vacaville, CA. Sudden wind increase then hit by whirlwind and unable to stop descent. Struck wires and dragged on ground. - [Accident 19900807031109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900807031109A), Aug 7, 1990: Balwks FIREFLY7 (N9090M), Napa, CA, Destroyed. Encountered severe wind gusts and downdrafts. Hit objects and ground on forced landing. Thunderstorm 30 mile north. ## Service difficulty reports (3) As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report. - [SDR 2004FA0000765](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2004FA0000765), Aug 2, 2004: VALVE. DESTROYED. DURING FLIGHT, 3 OF 4 VALVE WINDOWS FAILED BY SEPARATING AT SEAMS. UPON SEPARATION, REMAINING WINDOW MATERIAL MELTED AWAY, THUS CREATING 3 LARGE HOLES IN THE TO - [SDR 20000731SH009](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20000731SH009), Jun 29, 2000: HOSE. SPLIT. OUTER COVERING OF FUEL HOSES SPLIT AT CRIMP END FITTING. 10 BAD HOSES. (X) - [SDR 99ZZZX3176](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX3176), Jul 1, 1999: VALVE LINE. FAILED. IN A HOT AIR BALLOON ENVELOPE EQUIPPED WITH A PARACHUTE, TOP DEFLATION SYSTEM INCLUDING A 3:1 PULLEY ASSIST, THE UPPER SECTION OF THE VALVE LINE (BRAIDED KEVLAR ## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (15) 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 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 SB01506AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB01506AT): Attachment of Firefly hot air balloon envelopes. JR Aerosports LTD - [STC SB02972AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB02972AT): Installation of Aerostar International carriages, burners, and instruments under a Firefly 10 balloon envelope. JR Aerosports LTD - [STC SL2829SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SL2829SO): Installation of the Galaxy 6072 and 6072T baskets on Firefly 9, Firefly 9B-15, Firefly10, and Firefly 11 envelopes and installation of the Galaxy 6096 basket on Firefly 9, Firefly 10, and Firefly 11 envelopes. 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 SB00382DE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00382DE): Installation of an Ultra Magic C5 Basket (S/N:14) assembly and MK-10 Burner assembly (TC No. B02CE) to a Balloon Works Model F9 Balloon. (FIREFLY 9 F9-060). Aero Cruise - [STC SB00407LA](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00407LA): Installation of foam padded tank covers. John Terry - [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 SB1679GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB1679GL): Replace suspension cables with Finn-Bilt Ltd. suspension cableKit No. 119 (Firefly 5, 6B, 7B), Kit No. 219 (Firefly 6, 7B, 8B), Kit No. 319 (Firefly 8), or Kit No. 419 (Firefly 9). Viitala William Thomas - [STC SA5470NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA5470NM): Installation of position light. Great American Balloon Co Inc - [STC SA4302NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA4302NM): Installation of Electronics Int'l digital automatic engine analyzer. Electronics International ## The same model under other registry codes Amateur-built copies and renamed makers get their own codes. - [Firefly Balloons FIREFLY 9](https://openairdocs.org/model/firefly-balloons-firefly-9): 4 registered aircraft, registry code 1050154 --- 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.