# NTSB FTW87LA020: Barnes Firefly 7, N1245F, Holden, LA, November 19, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 19, 1986, 08:40 local (14:40 UTC)
- Place: Holden, LA
- Coordinates: 30.579885, -90.669715 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5799&lon=-90.6697&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 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22301
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22301/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA020

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A COMMERCIALLY RATED PILOT ON AN INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT WAS ATTEMPTING A TOUCH AND GO LANDING IN THE MEDIAN OF HIWAY I-12 1 MILE EAST OF HOLDEN, LA. THE PILOT FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID SOME POWER LINES SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGING THE BALLOON. THE PILOT AND STUDENT PILOT WERE NOT INJURED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1245F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1245F-2013-07-08), registration cancelled 2013-07-08, S/N 160, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BARNES 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: 160
- Airframe hours: 105
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Phil Macnutt
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 9, 1986

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; flight hours: 625 total, 625 in this make and model, 612 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F

## 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 19861119059029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861119059029A), Nov 19, 1986: Balwks FIREFLY7, Holden, LA, Substantial damage. The balloon struck powerlines during touch and go practice. Pilot failed to see wires in time to avoid.

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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