# NTSB FTW94LA243: Cameron V-77, N1990S, Pflugerville, TX, July 24, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1994, 07:30 local (12:30 UTC)
- Place: Pflugerville, TX
- Coordinates: 30.440013, -97.620948 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4400&lon=-97.6209&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19116
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA243
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19116/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA243

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - wire,transmission
  - balloon equipment,envelope - burned

## Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND, THE BALLOON ENCOUNTERED A SHIFT IN WIND DIRECTION AND VELOCITY. THE BASKET STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE BALLOON DRIFTED INTO A SET OF POWER LINES. THE ENVELOPE WENT OVER POWER LINES AND GONDOLA WAS ON ITS SIDE CAUSING THE BURNER UNIT TO IGNITE THE GRASS. THE ENSUING FIRE CONSUMED THE ENVELOPE.

## Factual narrative

On July 24, 1994, at 0730 central daylight time, a Cameron V-77 N1990S, was destroyed while landing near Pflugerville, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot was not injured.  Weather for the 14 CFR 91 flight was visual meteorological conditions.

The pilot reported that while he was attempting to land, a gust of wind caused the balloon to drift into electrical wires.  The ensuing collision resulted in the gondola turning on its side.  When the balloon came to rest the burner unit ignited the grass and the fire consumed the balloon.

Numerous attempts to have the pilot complete the NTSB Pilot/Operator report were unsuccessful.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1990S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1990S-2014-12-22), registration cancelled 2014-12-22, S/N 5268, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CAMERON V-77
- Registry model: [Cameron Balloons US V-77](https://openairdocs.org/model/cameron-balloons-us-v-77) (registry code 1880206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 5268
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Allen, Robert M.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 15,450 total, 200 in the last 90 days, 67 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AUS

## 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 19940724019019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940724019019A), Jul 24, 1994: Camron V77CAMERON, Pflugerville, TX, Substantial damage. Windshift during landing. Basket hit ground. Balloon drifted into powerline. Gondola flipped over. Grass ignited.

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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