# NTSB FTW94LA219: Cameron V-77, N748CB, Littleton, CO, July 1, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 1, 1994, 07:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Littleton, CO
- Coordinates: 39.569091, -105.139595 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5691&lon=-105.1396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 12, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19103
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA219
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19103/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA219

## Probable cause

A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE BALLOON'S HEATER SYSTEM (PILOT LIGHT) FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ON WHICH TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - balloon equipment,burner system - failure,total (cause)
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER LIFTING OFF, THE PILOT LIGHT ON THE BALLOON'S PROPANE BURNER EXTINGUISHED FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, AND ATTEMPTS TO RELIGHT IT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. BECAUSE THE BALLOON WAS DESCENDING NEAR POWERLINES, THE PILOT 'VENTED' IN ORDER TO RAPIDLY LOSE ALTITUDE. THE BALLOON TOUCHED DOWN ON A HIGHWAY, BOUNCED BACK UP, AND THE ENVELOPE CONTACTED POWERLINES, BURNING SEVERAL ENVELOPE PANELS.

## Factual narrative

On July 1, 1994, approximately 0730 mountain daylight time, N748CB, a Cameron Balloons V-77, was substantially damaged when it collided with powerlines in Littleton, Colorado.  The private pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The following is based on the pilot/operator report.  Shortly after lifting off, the pilot light on the propane burner extinguished for undetermined reasons, and attempts to relight it were unsuccessful.  Because the balloon was descending near powerlines, the pilot "vented" in order to rapidly lose altitude.  The balloon touched down on a highway, bounced back up, and the envelope contacted powerlines about 20 feet above the basket.  Several envelope panels were damaged by electrical arcing and there was a small grass fire.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N748CB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N748CB-2009-07-27), registration cancelled 2009-07-27, S/N 635, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cameron V-77
- Registry model: [Cameron Balloons V-77](https://openairdocs.org/model/cameron-balloons-v-77) (registry code 1880205) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 635
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Waltman, Carolyn D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 29, 1994, 0 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; flight hours: 18 total, 2 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: APA, 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 19940701017229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940701017229A), Jul 1, 1994: Stnson V77, Littleton, CO, Substantial damage. Pilot light went out on climbout. Vented to miss powerline. Landed on highway bounced. Drifted into powerline.

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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