# NTSB LAX93LA250: Balloon Works Firefly 7, N71145, Salida, CA, June 12, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 12, 1993, 09:18 local (16:18 UTC)
- Place: Salida, CA
- Coordinates: 37.710128, -121.09098 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.7101&lon=-121.0910&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28403
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA250
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28403/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA250

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during the attempted landing.  A factor in the accident was the unfavorable wind conditions for the balloon landing.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - fence

## Analysis

The pilot and his two passengers attempted to land the balloon in what the pilot described to an FAA safety inspector as 'high' winds.  The balloon collided with a fence and one of the two passengers received serious injuries.

## Factual narrative

On June 12, 1993, about 0918 hours Pacific daylight time, a Balloonworks Firefly 7, N71145, collided with a fence during landing near Salida, California.  The balloon sustained minor damage.  The certificated commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured and the remaining passenger received serious injuries.  The local personal area flight departed a park located about five miles northwest of Stockton, California, about 0700 hours.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.

According to an FAA safety inspector who interviewed the pilot, he was trying to land the balloon in "high" winds when it collided with a fence.  The pilot did not provide information pertaining to his obtaining wind/weather forecast prior to his flight.

Repeated attempts were made by the FAA and the NTSB to obtain a Pilot/Operator report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot.  It was explained, in writing and orally, to the pilot that Public Law requires the pilot to provide the NTSB with a Pilot/Operator report.  The pilot did not respond to several telephone messages left by an FAA safety inspector.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N71145](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N71145-2013-07-02), registration cancelled 2013-07-02, S/N F7-409, 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: F7-409
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mark Johanson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, STOCKTON, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MOD, 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 19930612020829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930612020829A), Jun 12, 1993: Balwks FIREFLY7, Salida, CA, Minor damage. Collided with a fence during a high wind landing.

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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