# NTSB DEN85LA005: Piccard AX6W, N47DP, Albuquerque, NM, October 8, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 8, 1984, 08:25 local (14:25 UTC)
- Place: Albuquerque, NM
- Coordinates: 35.060787, -106.619834 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0608&lon=-106.6198&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16589
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16589/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA005

## Analysis

PLT STATED HE OBSERVED THE WIRE ABOUT 3 SECS BEFORE COLLISION. ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT SEVERED LOAD CABLES TO BASKET, WHICH FELL TO THE GROUND, CAUSING PERSONNEL INJURIES. BALLOON ENVELOPE DRIFTED AWAY, FINALLY COMING TO REST 150 MI FROM ACCIDENT SITE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N47DP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N47DP-2013-04-18), registration cancelled 2013-04-18, S/N 768, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PICCARD AX6W
- Registry model: [Piccard AX-6](https://openairdocs.org/model/piccard-ax-6) (registry code 7001218) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 768
- Airframe hours: 4000
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Minor damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: George A Hesch
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 15, 1984, 11 hours before
- Departed: ALBUQUERQUE, NM
- Airport: ABQ, Albuquerque Int'L

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; flight hours: 369 total, 369 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ABQ, 2 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 19841008058519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841008058519A), Oct 8, 1984: Picard AX6, Albuquerque, NM, Minor damage. Hot air balloon contacted powerlines. Balloon load cables severed. Basket with occupants fell 30 feet.

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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