# NTSB LAX93LA289: Raven S-60A, N2809D, La Jolla, CA, July 13, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1993, 19:16 local (Jul 13, 1993, 02:16 UTC)
- Place: La Jolla, CA
- Coordinates: 32.799411, -117.129028 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7994&lon=-117.1290&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured; on the ground: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28426
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA289
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28426/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA289

## Probable cause

the failure of the injured ground crewman to release his hold on the basket in a timely manner when instructed by the pilot.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff - initial climb
  - procedures/directives - not followed, ground personnel (cause)

## Analysis

The student pilot said he was initiating a takeoff for a local area solo flight. When the balloon was ready for liftoff, the student reportedly used the phrase 'crew weight off' in a customary voice call during the takeoff maneuver. Three of the four ground crewman released their hold on the basket, while the fourth individual did not let go. The basket rose rapidly and the fourth ground crewman let go of the basket at an estimated height of 30 to 40 feet above ground level. The fourth crewman fell to the ground and sustained multiple bone fractures.

## Factual narrative

On July 12, 1993, at 1916 Pacific daylight time, a ground crewman sustained serious injuries during the takeoff of a Raven Industries S60A balloon, N2809D, near La Jolla, California.  The balloon was owned and operated by the pilot.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation.  The balloon was not damaged.  The certificated student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  The injured ground crewman sustained multiple fractures of both legs.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident as a local area student solo instructional flight.

The student pilot said he was initiating a takeoff for a local area solo flight.  When the balloon was ready for liftoff, the student reportedly used the phrase "crew weight off" in a customary voice call during the takeoff maneuver.  Three of the four ground crewman released their hold on the basket, while the fourth individual did not let go.  The basket rose rapidly and the fourth ground crewman let go of the basket at an estimated height of 30 to 40 feet above ground level.  The fourth crewman fell to the ground and sustained multiple bone fractures.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2809D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2809D-2001-07-09), registration cancelled 2001-07-09, S/N S60A-403 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Raven S-60A
- Registry model: [Raven Industries S-60A](https://openairdocs.org/model/raven-industries-s-60a) (registry code 7480611) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: S60A-403
- Airframe hours: 3360
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: No damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: William R. Miller
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1993, 1 hours before
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; student; medical: unknown; flight hours: 32 total, 10 in this make and model, 2 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °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 19930712052059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930712052059A), Jul 12, 1993: Raven S60A, La Jolla, CA. One of four ground crew failed release tether rope. Fell to ground. From 35 feet as balloon rose.

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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