# NTSB DEN86LA263: Barnes AX-7, N2346H, Durango, CO, September 28, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 28, 1986, 09:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Durango, CO
- Coordinates: 37.270244, -107.880599 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2702&lon=-107.8806&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): 17057
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA263
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17057/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA263

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE FLYING LOW LEVEL INSIDE A RIVER GORGE AT 200-300 FEET ABOVE THE WATER, THE BALLOON IMPACTED A POWER LINE AND FELL INTO THE RIVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2346H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2346H-2011-07-18), registration cancelled 2011-07-18, S/N 7733, built 1978 (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: 7723
- Airframe hours: 343
- Engines: unknown UNK unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Douglas F. Foutz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 3, 1986

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; flight hours: 531 total, 512 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots, gusting 7
- Visibility: 50 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 19860928072199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860928072199A), Sep 28, 1986: Balwks FIREFLY7, Durango, CO, Destroyed. Balloon struck powerlines while operating at low level along a river.

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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