# NTSB LAX93LA283: Avian Balloon Magnum IX, N16131, Phoenix, AZ, April 11, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 11, 1993, 07:45 local (14:45 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.679462, -112.089302 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6795&lon=-112.0893&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 8 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 19, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27983
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA283
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27983/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA283

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PLANNED APPROACH TO THE LANDING AREA.

## 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
  - object - tree(s)
  - planned approach - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID HE WAS LANDING IN A FIELD WHEN THE WIND DRAGGED THE BALLOON INTO A RIVER WASH AREA WHERE THE ENVELOPE CONTACTED SOME TREES AND SUSTAINED DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N16131](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N16131-2015-05-05), registration cancelled 2015-05-05, S/N 164 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AVIAN BALLOON MAGNUM IX
- Registry model: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX](https://openairdocs.org/model/avian-balloon-magnum-ix) (registry code 0900110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 164
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: American Hot Airlines, Inc.
- Registered owner: American Hot Airlines, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; commercial; flight hours: 300 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19930411022959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930411022959A), Apr 11, 1993: Avianw MAGNUMIX, Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. Reported wind dragged balloon from open landing area into dry was and trees. Passenger report dragged thru trees.

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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