# NTSB ATL83LA209: Barnes AX-6B, N2023H, Decatur, AL, May 28, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1983, 06:45 local (11:45 UTC)
- Place: Decatur, AL
- Coordinates: 34.569511, -86.980323 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5695&lon=-86.9803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6079
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA209
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6079/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA209

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE BALLOON WAS LAUNCHED FROM A FIELD WITH POWER LINES ALONG THE EAST SIDE AFTER ANOTHER BALLOON WAS LAUNCHED. THE FIRST BALLOON WAS APRX 50 FT FROM THE POWER LINE WHEN IT WAS LAUNCHED. WHEN IT TOOKOFF, IT TRAVELED TO THE NORTH NORTHWEST & REMAINED WELL CLEAR OF THE POWER LINES. THE SECOND BALLOON, N2023H, LIFTED OFF APRX 35 FT FROM THE POWER LINES. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LIFT-OFF, N2023H CLIMBED TOWARDS THE POWER LINES & CONTACTED THE TOP TWO WIRES. ELECTRICAL ARCING OCCURRED WHICH DAMAGED THE GONDOLA. THE PLT WAS BURNED ON HIS RIGHT SIDE, RIGHT ARM & RIGHT SIDE OF HIS FACE, AND WAS INCAPACITATED. THE PASSENGER RECEIVED ONLY MINOR BURNS TO HIS HANDS & WAS ABLE TO LAND THE BALLOON WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. LATER, THE PLT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN WIND SHIFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2023H (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BARNES AX-6B
- Category: Balloon
- Airframe hours: 180
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James W. Napier III
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1982, 35 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: unknown; flight hours: 2,800 total, 200 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830528021309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830528021309A), May 28, 1983: Balwks FIREFLY6B, Decatur, AL, Minor damage. Balloon drifted into wires on takeoff. Pilot incapacitated by propane burns. Passenger landed the balloon.

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.

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