# NTSB CHI83LA265: Balloon Works Firefly 7, N27114, Flint, MI, June 19, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1983, 20:15 local (Jun 19, 1983, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Flint, MI
- Coordinates: 43.010341, -83.689537 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0103&lon=-83.6895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12218
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA265
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12218/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA265

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing
  - aircraft handling - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - incapacitation(cardiovascular), pilot in command (cause)
  - object - residence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PLT LEVELED THE BALLOON, AND A SHORT TIME LATER, HE COLLAPSED TO THE FLOOR OF THE GONDOLA & HAD DIFFICULTY BREATHING. THE BALLOON BEGAN DESCENDING. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT HIT THE PORCH OF A HOUSE & WAS DAMAGED. THE PLT DIED FROM ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N27114](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N27114-2012-08-23), registration cancelled 2012-08-23, S/N 774, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BALLOON WORKS FIREFLY 7
- Registry model: [Balloon Works FIREFLY 7](https://openairdocs.org/model/balloon-works-firefly-7) (registry code 1050100) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 774
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James W. Taylor
- Departed: FLINT, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 350 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 14 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FNT, 3 nm away

## 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 19830618025649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830618025649A), Jun 18, 1983: Balwks FIREFLY7, Flint, MI, Substantial damage. Pilot collapsed and died from a heart seizure. The balloon descended and struck a house. Basket lodged on a porch.

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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