# NTSB DEN85FA196: Balloon Works Firefly 7, N40501, Brighton, CO, July 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1985, 06:45 local (12:45 UTC)
- Place: Brighton, CO
- Coordinates: 39.950584, -104.789306 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9506&lon=-104.7893&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 3 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16547
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85FA196
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16547/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FA196

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - planned approach - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - downdraft

## Analysis

A HOT AIR BALLOON OWNED AND FLOWN BY THE PLT COLLIDED WITH ELECTRICAL POWER LINES DURING AN ATTEMPTED LANDING. THE BASKET OF THE BALLOON CAUGHT FIRE UPON CONTACT WITH THE WIRES. THE OCCUPANTS LEAPED FROM THE BURNING BASKET SUSTAINING SERIOUS INJURIES. THE BALLOON WAS DESTROYED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N40501](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N40501), registered now, S/N 7936 (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: 7936
- Airframe hours: 6
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Maynard M. Whitney
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: C058, FREDRICK, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial; flight hours: 142 total, 12 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19850723033859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850723033859A), Jul 23, 1985: Balwks FIREFLY7, Brighton, CO, Destroyed. Descent steepened on approach over powerlines. Gondola hit lines, burst into flames. Occupants jumped to ground.

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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