# NTSB CHI84LA268: Barnes AX-7, N4048F, Batavia, IL, June 24, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 23, 1984, 20:05 local (Jun 24, 1984, 01:05 UTC)
- Place: Batavia, IL
- Coordinates: 41.849285, -88.299377 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8493&lon=-88.2994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12675
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA268
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12675/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA268

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - precautionary landing - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT RECEIVED A WX BRIEFING BEFORE THE FLT. THE 1950 SURFACE OBSERVATION REPORTED WINDS FROM 090 DEG AT 4 KTS. DURING FLT, THE WINDS SUDDENLY PICKED UP & THE PLT ATTEMPTED A LANDING. A RAPID RATE OF DESCENT DEVELOPED & THE BALLOON COLLIDED WITH TREES BEFORE THE DESCENT RATE COULD BE CORRECTED. THE 2008 SPECIAL OBSERVATION REPORTED WINDS FROM 350 DEG AT 15 KTS GUSTING 25 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4048F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4048F-2014-10-06), registration cancelled 2014-10-06, S/N 7914, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BARNES AX-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: 7914
- Airframe hours: 94
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John T. Corsten
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 27, 1984
- Departed: GENEVA, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 94 in this make and model, 94 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 350° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft broken
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DPA, 6 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 19840623033669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840623033669A), Jun 23, 1984: Balwks FIREFLY7, Batavia, IL, Substantial damage. Strong winds from cold front caused balloon to partially deflate and descend into trees. Forecast was light winds.

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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