# NTSB LAX93LA347: Cameron V-77, N2021A, Truckee, CA, September 5, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1993, 08:40 local (15:40 UTC)
- Place: Truckee, CA
- Coordinates: 39.329578, -120.239402 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3296&lon=-120.2394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 1, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28470
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA347
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28470/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA347

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the landing approach.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind
  - object - tree(s)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND THE BALLOON WITH HIS PASSENGER. ABOUT 20 TO 30 FEET IN THE AIR HE EXPERIENCED LIFT AND ACCELERATION TO THE EAST. THE BALLOON THEN COLLIDED WITH A PINE TREE AT ABOUT 60 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL WHILE GAINING ALTITUDE. NINETY OF THE 144 PANELS COMPRISING THE ENVELOPE WERE DAMAGED. THE BALLOON SLID DOWN THE PINE TREE TO WITHIN ABOUT TEN FEET OF THE GROUND.

## Factual narrative

On September 5, 1993, about 0840 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cameron V77 balloon, N2021A, operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged after colliding with a pine tree while maneuvering to land near the stampede reservoir.  Neither the commercial balloon pilot nor his passenger was injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.  The origin point and time of the flight are undetermined.

The pilot stated to an FAA inspector from the Reno Flight Standards District Office that at approximately 20 to 30 feet above the ground he encountered lift and acceleration to the east.  The balloon then collided with a pine tree at about 60 feet in the air and ripped the envelope while gaining altitude. It then slid down the pine tree stopping about ten feet above the ground.  The pilot also stated that 90 of the 144 panels of the balloon were damaged.

An NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form, was sent by certified mail to the pilot.  After three attempts to deliver the mail, it was returned by the Post Office as undeliverable.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2021A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2021A-2015-04-24), registration cancelled 2015-04-24, S/N 5366, built 1987 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CAMERON V-77
- Registry model: [Cameron Balloons US V-77](https://openairdocs.org/model/cameron-balloons-us-v-77) (registry code 1880206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 5366
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: George F. Denny
- Registered owner: George F. Denny
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 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 19930905033569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930905033569A), Sep 5, 1993: Camron V77CAMERON, Truckee, CA, Substantial damage. Struck a tree on landing. Pilot blamed unexpected wind gust.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.