# NTSB FTW96LA361: Balloon Works Firefly 7, N7414U, Rio Rancho, NM, August 24, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 24, 1996, 08:45 local (14:45 UTC) - Place: Rio Rancho, NM - Coordinates: 35.269687, -106.659095 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2697&lon=-106.6591&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 3, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19958 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA361 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19958/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA361 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. The variable wind condition was a related factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - weather condition - variable wind (contributing factor) - object - wire,transmission - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis Prior to the launch, pibal balloons indicated that the winds were from the north-northeast. The pilot ground tracked the balloon at altitudes from 5 feet to 500 feet AGL. During the ground tracking, the pilot noted that the winds varied in their direction and speeds. Upon observing power lines, the pilot planned the flight to 'burn and climb over the power lines.' Upon realizing that the balloon was not going to clear the power lines, the pilot pulled the vent line and tried to land the balloon; however, the balloon struck the power lines. ## Factual narrative On August 24, 1996, at 0845 mountain daylight time, a Balloon Works Firefly 7, N7414U, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91, collided with power lines while maneuvering near Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The private pilot and the passenger were not injured and the balloon sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated about 1 hour before the accident. During telephone interviews, conducted by the investigator-in-charge and on the enclosed Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot reported the following information. Upon arrival at the launch site, the release of several pibal balloons indicated that the winds were from the north-northeast. The pilot launched his balloon about 0740 and flew solo for approximately 40 minutes. On the subsequent flight, one passenger was aboard the balloon. The pilot executed a controlled descent and ground tracked the balloon at altitudes from 5 feet to 500 feet AGL. During the ground tracking, the pilot noted that winds at about 50 feet AGL were increasing from the north; however, at higher altitudes the winds had been more from the east and slower. Upon observing east to west power lines about a mile beyond the balloon track, the pilot planned the flight to "burn and climb over the power lines." Upon realizing that the balloon was not going to clear the power lines, the pilot pulled the vent line and tried to land the balloon. The balloon struck the power lines. The FAA inspector, the pilot and the repair facility (statement enclosed) personnel examined the balloon. The group found numerous damaged panels with 7 panels requiring replacement, 3 panels requiring partial replacement, and 7 panels requiring patches. Chaffing was found on 2 stainless steel suspension cables. At least 2 of the horizontal load tapes were heat damaged. The FAA inspector and the repair facility reported that the balloon would require the repairs prior to further flight. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7414U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7414U-2017-02-28), registration cancelled 2017-02-28, S/N F7-361, built 1987 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Balloon Works 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: F7-361 - Airframe hours: 408 - Engines: unknown - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Hugh J. Charlton - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 9, 1996, 13 hours before - Departed: NONE ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 53; private; medical: unknown, unknown; flight hours: 184 total, 184 in this make and model, 169 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °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 19960824025849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960824025849A), Aug 24, 1996: Balwks FIREFLY7, Rio Rancho, NM, Substantial damage. Flying low tried too late to burn and climb over powerlines, saw error. Pulled vent. Hit wires. Leaky bag. (-23) Mr. Charleton was ground tracking, misjudged… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.