# NTSB DEN88LA051: Raven RX-7, N2797L, Rio Rancho, NM, January 9, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 9, 1988, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Rio Rancho, NM
- Coordinates: 35.060787, -106.620742 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0608&lon=-106.6207&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 30, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17436
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN88LA051
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17436/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA051

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - planned approach - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission
  - proper touchdown point - not selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - reduced, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING THE PLT REPORTED A WIND SHIFT WHICH DRIFTED THE BALLOON INTO PWR LINES BEFORE THE LANDING COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED. THE PLT REPORTED SHE COULD NOT SEE THE PWR LINES DUE TO THE BALLOON RESTRICTING VISIBILITY AND THE PAX POINTED THE LINES OUT TO THE PLT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2797L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2797L-2000-01-08), registration cancelled 2000-01-08, S/N RX7-434 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RAVEN RX-7
- Registry model: [Raven Industries RALLY RX7](https://openairdocs.org/model/raven-industries-rally-rx7) (registry code 7480503) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: RX7-434
- Airframe hours: 82
- Engines: unknown UNK unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Starr, Marsh Robinson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 2, 1987, 82 hours before
- Departed: RIO RANCHO, NM

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; flight hours: 27 total, 20 in this make and model, 7 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 28 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ABQ, 5 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 19880109000279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880109000279A), Jan 9, 1988: Raven RX7, Rio Rancho, NM, Substantial damage. Failed to note wind shift and powerlines while landing. E nvelope struck the wires as the basket touched down.

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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