# NTSB CEN22LA356: Arbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 150A, N316EB, Indianola, IA, July 30, 2022

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report
- Date: July 30, 2022, 05:20 local (10:20 UTC)
- Place: Indianola, IA · An open farm field.
- Coordinates: 41.370104, -93.520031 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3701&lon=-93.5200&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 3 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 105651
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN22LA356
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/105651/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=105651
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA356

## Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Arbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 150A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=5190009), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Arbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 150A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=5190009), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Arbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 150A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=5190009), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md)
- [Emergency descent: Fire/smoke (non-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150); cases with it: [Arbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 150A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150/sequence.md?model=5190009), [All aircraft, 504 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that, while maneuvering the balloon for a pre-dawn hot air balloon flight, the balloon struck a power line that he did not see. The contact created an on-board fire, which resulted in serious injuries to two passengers. The pilot was able to land safety in a grass field.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N316EB](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N316EB), registered now, S/N 5651, built 2018 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ARBC INC DBA LINDSTRAND 150A
- Registry model: [Arbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 150A](https://openairdocs.org/model/arbc-inc-dba-lindstrand-150a) (registry code 5190009) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 5651
- Year built: 2018
- Damage: Minor damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Balloon
- Last inspection: Annual, March 11, 2022
- Departed: None, Indianola, IA
- Airport: Memorial Balloon Field
- Equipment: None

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; injuries: serious; commercial; last flight review June 1, 2021; seat: none; restraint: none; flight hours: 1,140 total, 205 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 150° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 3017.00 inHg
- Observed at: National Balloon Classic Pilot Briefing
- METAR: KDSM 300954Z 15003KT 10SM CLR 18/13 A3017 RMK AO2

## 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 20220730019779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220730019779A), Jul 30, 2022: Arbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 150A, Indianola, IA, Minor damage. The flight was conducted prior to offical sunrise. The airmen descended immediately after launch causing the aircraft to strike a power line.

## Docket (3 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 15, 2022, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=105651. 1.7 MB in all.

- Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 11 pages, 955 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14378206&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120%20Form%20filled%20out%20pilot_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Witness statements (item 2, PDF, 2 pages, 49 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14376748&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Witness%20Statement%20-%20FAA_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Photos (item 3, PDF, 6 pages, 663 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14276461&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photo%20Array%20-%20Balloon%20Accident-Rel.pdf

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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