# NTSB LAX90LA041: Barnes AX-7, N4058F, Sun City, AZ, November 25, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 25, 1989, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Sun City, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.600666, -112.279411 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6007&lon=-112.2794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report September 5, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26693
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA041
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26693/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA041

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE STUDENT PILOT (HIS FAILURE TO SEE & AVOID).   THE TRANSMISSION LINE AND THE STUDENT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AREA WERE RELATED FACTORS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Fire, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

THE BALLOON PILOT WAS LATE TO VISUALLY ACQUIRE A SECOND SET OF POWER LINES DURING A NORMAL APPROACH TO LAND IN A RIVER BED. WHEN HE DID SEE THE SECOND SET OF LINES, HE ATTEMPTED TO FLY OVER THEM, BUT THE BALLOON COLLIDED WITH THE HIGHEST WIRE. THE PLT THEN MADE A SUCCESSFUL LANDING, EXCEPT HE & THE BALLOON HAD RECEIVED FLASH BURNS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4058F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4058F-2015-05-19), registration cancelled 2015-05-19, S/N 10118, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Barnes AX-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: 10118
- Engines: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hutson, Robert
- Registered owner: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; student; flight hours: 16 total, 16 in this make and model, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °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 19891125050159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891125050159A), Nov 25, 1989: Balwks FIREFLY7, Sun City, AZ, Substantial damage. Collided with an unseen powerline while landing on a dry river bed. High voltage injured balloon and student.

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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