# Head Balloons AX9-118

- Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry)
- Registry codes: 4280102, 05637CC
- Manufacturer (registry): HEAD BALLOONS INC
- Model: AX9-118 · AX9 118
- Aircraft type: Balloon
- Category: Balloon
- Engines: None
- Seats: 1
- Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb
- Certification: Type certificated
- Data sheet: [TCDS A29SO](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A29SO) (OpenAirDocs)
- Holder: Head Balloons Inc.
- Registered aircraft: 25
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/head-balloons-ax9-118

Model codes come from the FAA registry's reference file. ADs are matched to them by model name and maker. The FAA lists this model under more than one registry code, usually for different spellings of the maker. This page covers them all.

## 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 (25)

- [N2027S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2027S): [Smith Brann K](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SMITH%20BRANN%20K), [Chico, CA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/CA/Chico), built 2013, S/N 430
- [N2040T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2040T): [Turlington Jerry K](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/TURLINGTON%20JERRY%20K), [Lynchburg, VA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/VA/Lynchburg), S/N 339
- [N2045R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2045R): [Vereb Frederick P](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/VEREB%20FREDERICK%20P), [Tampa, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Tampa), built 2012, S/N 415
- [N2143W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2143W): [Bobs Balloon Charters LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BOBS%20BALLOON%20CHARTERS%20LLC), [Orlando, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Orlando), built 2008, S/N 373
- [N2334N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2334N): [Balloon Entertainment Co](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BALLOON%20ENTERTAINMENT%20CO), [Polk City, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Polk%20City), built 2008, S/N 378
- [N3080A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3080A): [Mccann Craig S](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/MCCANN%20CRAIG%20S), [Jamestown, NY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NY/Jamestown), built 2002, S/N 314
- [N3087D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3087D): [Bristol David W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BRISTOL%20DAVID%20W), [Sautee, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Sautee), S/N 287
- [N3113T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3113T): [Turlington Jerry K](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/TURLINGTON%20JERRY%20K), [Lynchburg, VA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/VA/Lynchburg), built 2001, S/N 295
- [N31242](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N31242): [Bobs Balloon Charters LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BOBS%20BALLOON%20CHARTERS%20LLC), [Orlando, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Orlando), built 2003, S/N 323
- [N3124Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3124Z): [Aerial Advantage Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AERIAL%20ADVANTAGE%20INC), [Columbia, MO](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MO/Columbia), S/N 483
- [N3127U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3127U): [Meteney Timothy C](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/METENEY%20TIMOTHY%20C), [Darlington, PA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/PA/Darlington), built 2003, S/N 325
- [N4006K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4006K): [Sunkiss Ballooning LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SUNKISS%20BALLOONING%20LLC), [Queensbury, NY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/NY/Queensbury), built 2014, S/N 425
- [N4008R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4008R): [Hunter Matthew P](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/HUNTER%20MATTHEW%20P), [Lake Wales, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Lake%20Wales), built 2014, S/N 426
- [N40104](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40104): [Plank Todd N](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/PLANK%20TODD%20N), [Elizabethtown, PA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/PA/Elizabethtown), S/N 439
- [N4016G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4016G): [Vereb Frederick P](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/VEREB%20FREDERICK%20P), [Tampa, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Tampa), S/N 473
- [N4519U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4519U): [Radowski Johnathan P](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RADOWSKI%20JOHNATHAN%20P), [Phoenix, AZ](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/AZ/Phoenix), built 1992, S/N 184
- [N50005](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N50005): [Balloons Of Vermont LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BALLOONS%20OF%20VERMONT%20LLC), [Quechee, VT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/VT/Quechee), S/N 452
- [N5003E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5003E): [Flying Circus Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/FLYING%20CIRCUS%20INC), [Custer, SD](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/SD/Custer), S/N 474
- [N5007P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5007P): [Xclusive Balloons LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/XCLUSIVE%20BALLOONS%20LLC), [Taylorsville, KY](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/KY/Taylorsville), built 2019, S/N 481
- [N5008Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5008Z): [Peterson Kurt Alan](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/PETERSON%20KURT%20ALAN), [Seffner, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Seffner), built 2018, S/N 467
- [N5010R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5010R): [Sunrise Fantasy Flights Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SUNRISE%20FANTASY%20FLIGHTS%20INC), [Tampa, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Tampa), built 2021, S/N 490
- [N8246A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8246A): [Ross Fred](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/ROSS%20FRED), [Hollywood, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Hollywood), built 1997, S/N 235
- [N9000T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9000T): [Air Hound Adventures LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AIR%20HOUND%20ADVENTURES%20LLC), [Davenport, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Davenport), built 2024, S/N 515
- [N914TW](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N914TW): [Aviation Ranch LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AVIATION%20RANCH%20LLC), [Land O Lakes, FL](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/FL/Land%20O%20Lakes), built 2024, S/N 517
- [N927DT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N927DT): [Tatum Daryl A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/TATUM%20DARYL%20A), [Canton, GA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/GA/Canton), built 2009, S/N 391

## NTSB investigations (6)

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 WPR19LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA228), Aug 9, 2019: Head AX9-118 (N2027S), Galt, CA, minor damage. Probable cause: A loss of control following an adverse wind encounter.
- [NTSB ERA15LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA319), Aug 16, 2015: Head AX9 118 (N40104), New Holland, PA, minor damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to adequately secure the vent line, which resulted in the premature deflation of the balloon’s envelope and its subsequent contact with power lines. Contributing to the accident…
- [NTSB ERA10CA462](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA462), Sep 1, 2010: Head Balloons AX9 118 (N2267U), Hanover, NH, minor damage. Probable cause: The balloon's encounter with an updraft, resulting in an immediate landing and an intentional collision with a tree.
- [NTSB WPR10LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA161), Mar 16, 2010: Head Balloons AX9 118 (N3087D), Phoenix, AZ, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s improper preflight inspection of the balloon’s rapid deflation system, which resulted in its inhibited functionality during landing.
- [NTSB CHI08CA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA227), Jul 31, 2008: Head Balloons AX9-118 (N3106K), Cook, MN, destroyed. Probable cause: The pilot's decision to land in a confined area. Contributing to the accident were the hidden power transmission lines and the confined landing site.
- [NTSB LAX94LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA162), Mar 12, 1994: Head Balloons AX9-118 (N45289), Sedona, AZ, substantial damage. Probable cause: the failure of the pilot lights and burners to relight in flight once extinguished due to the installation of an incorrect gas pressure regulator.

## 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 20190810024649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190810024649A), Aug 10, 2019: Head Balloons Inc AX9-118 (N2027S), Galt, CA, Minor damage. August 10, 2019, time was 0845, balloon festival at [privacy data omitted], Galt California. Public display and tethered balloon rides to the public. After…
- [Accident 20150815013719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150815013719A), Aug 15, 2015: Head Balloons Inc AX9-118 (N40104), New Holland, PA, Minor damage. After balloon landing event, PIC failed to control envelope deflation. Deflating balloon envelope contacted electrical power lines adjacent to landing site.…
- [Accident 20100901043419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100901043419A), Sep 1, 2010: Head Balloo AX9 118 (N2267U), Hanover, NH, Minor damage. Pilot encountered an updraft during descent and feared he would hit high tension power lines at the FAR edge of his intended landing field. He elected to put…
- [Accident 20100315029859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100315029859A), Mar 15, 2010: Head Balloo AX9 118 (N3087D), Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. Pilot attempted a high wind landing. After touchdown, pilot lost footing and fell out of basket while pulling the red line. Pilot was dragged outside the…
- [Accident 20080731843239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080731843239A), Jul 31, 2008: Head AX9118 (N3106K), Cook, MN, Substantial damage. (-23) On July 31, 2008 at approximately 07:30 a.m., [privacy data omitted] (pilot) departed his home in a hot air balloon with himself and 2 passengers. His…
- [Accident 19940312005039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940312005039A), Mar 12, 1994: Thundr AX9140S2 (N45289), Sedona, AZ, Substantial damage. During descent burner flamed out. Unable relight until ground impact. Incorrect low pressure regulator per burner.

## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (10)

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 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 SB00463AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00463AT): Installation of Cameran basket and burner systems. Head Balloons Inc
- [STC SL2263SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SL2263SO): Installation of Aerostar (Raven) Models CW, W, and RW basket and burner systems. Head Balloons Inc
- [STC SB02317AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB02317AT): Installation of Sky Balloons (TC B01CE) baskets (sizes: 1.29m X 1.07M, 1.55M X 1.19M, and 1.80M X 1.29M) and burners (BR1 double burner and BR2 Mistral Double Burner) under Head Balloons' Model AX7-77, AX7-77b, AX8-88, AX8-88b, AX8-105 and AX9-118 envelopes. Head Balloons Inc
- [STC SL2407SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SL2407SO): Attachment of Head Balloons hot air balloon envelopes with Adams Balloon Loft Model A50/A50S basket, burner, instruments, and fuel system components. Head Balloons Inc
- [STC SB01867AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB01867AT): Attachment of Head Balloons hot air balloon envelopes with Lindstrand Balloon basket, burner, instruments, and fuel system components. Head Balloons Inc
- [STC SB01048AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB01048AT): Installation of Thunder and Colt40X40, 40X48, 40X54, and 40X60 basket assemblies. Head Balloons Inc
- [STC SL1748SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SL1748SO): Installation of Balloon Works sizes3.9, 4.0, 4.5, 4.9, and 5.0 baskets. Head Balloons Inc

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