# NTSB DEN86LA068: Cameron 0-77, N3SB, Rio Rancho, NM, January 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 18, 1986, 14:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Rio Rancho, NM
- Location: 35.2334° N, 106.6645° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Rio Rancho, NM, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2334&lon=-106.6645&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/800) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16916
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA068
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16916/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA068

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, other
  - safety system(other) - separation (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - fence

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT DURING THE INFLATION OF HIS BALLOON, THE SAFETY LINE HOLDING THE BASKET TO HIS SUPPORT VEHICLE BROKE DURING WINDY CONDITIONS. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE TRIED TO INFLATE THE ENVELOPE IN ORDER TO CLIMB ABOVE BUILDINGS NEARBY. THE PLT INDICATED HE WAS UNABLE TO GAIN ENOUGH ALT BEFORE COLLIDING WITH THE BUILDINGS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3SB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3SB-2012-02-08), registration cancelled 2012-02-08, S/N 130, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cameron 0-77
- Registry model: [Cameron Balloons O-77](https://openairdocs.org/model/cameron-balloons-o-77) (registry code 1880108) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 130
- Airframe hours: 312
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jerry R Whitlow
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 31, 1985

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 352 total, 352 in this make and model, 327 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ABQ, 10 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 19860118001529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860118001529A), Jan 18, 1986: Camron O77, Rio Rancho, NM, Substantial damage. Balloon blown into a building when tether broke during inflation in a strong wind.

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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