# NTSB LAX00LA033: Raven RX-7, N4046M, Phoenix, AZ, November 13, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 13, 1999, 08:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.679538, -112.090744 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6795&lon=-112.0907&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 47824
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX00LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47824/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA033

## Probable cause

The pilot's delay in initiating a climb and his subsequent failure to attain and maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, climb
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - climb - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

Liftoff and initial stages of the flight were uneventful.  As the flight proceeded, the balloon approached a steep-sided mountain and the pilot initiated a climb.  He realized he was not going to clear the mountain and secured the heat prior to colliding with the ground.  The balloon contacted the ground near the mountain crest, turning the gondola on its side.  The balloon drifted off the other side of the mountain, the pilot reapplied heat, and flew several miles before completing an uneventful landing.  The gondola sustained substantial damage and one passenger suffered a fractured leg.

## Factual narrative

On November 13, 1999, about 0800 hours mountain standard time, a Raven RX-7 balloon, N4046M, sustained substantial damage after colliding with mountainous terrain on Thunderbird Mountain near Phoenix, Arizona.  The private pilot owned and operated the balloon under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91.  The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries; another passenger sustained serious injuries.  The personal flight departed from the juncture of Interstate 17 and Happy Valley Road about 0715.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot stated to the Federal Aviation Administration accident coordinator that winds were calm at departure.  A passenger reported the takeoff was smooth.  As the flight proceeded, the balloon approached a steep mountain and the pilot initiated a climb.  He realized he was not going to clear the mountain and secured the heat prior to colliding with the ground.  The balloon contacted the ground near the mountain crest, turning the gondola on its side.  The balloon drifted off the other side of the mountain, the pilot reapplied heat, and flew several miles before completing an uneventful landing.  A child passenger suffered a broken leg, and the gondola suffered substantial damage.

The pilot failed to submit a pilot/operator report.  A Safety Board form 6120.1/2 was sent certified mail and was undeliverable at the address the pilot provided.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4046M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4046M-2004-12-07), registration cancelled 2004-12-07, S/N RX7-310, built 1983 (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)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: RX7-310
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kevin Taylor
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; medical: unknown; flight hours: 85 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHX, 60 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 19991113044759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19991113044759A), Nov 13, 1999: Raven RX7, Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot^privac^ departed in calm winds. Wind increased during flight approach to mtn. Required a decision to descent or climb, pilot chose to try. To climb…

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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