# NTSB MIA89LA010: Raven S-60A, N65523, Tampa, FL, October 15, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 15, 1988, 07:45 local (11:45 UTC)
- Place: Tampa, FL
- Coordinates: 28.069295, -82.559394 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.0693&lon=-82.5594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 8, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32344
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA010
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32344/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA010

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Fire, landing
  - balloon equipment,envelope - burned

## Analysis

DRG AN APCH TO LAND, THE PLT SAW SOME BUSHES & ANOTHER BALLOON (WHICH HAD ALREADY LANDED) IN HIS INTENDED LANDING AREA. HE APPLIED BURNER TO SOAR OVER THE OBSTACLES, THEN PULLED THE ENVELOPE VENT TO QUICKLY DESCEND AFTER THE OBSTACLES HAD BEEN CLEARED. HE RPRTD THAT WITH NO PAX ABOARD, THE REACTION TIME OF THE VENTING PROCESS TOOK LONGER THAN ANTICIPATED. THE BALLOON WAS LANDED NEXT TO POWER LINES, & SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ENVELOPE BECAME DRAPED OVER THE LINES. A FIRE ERUPTED FROM CONTACT WITH THE LINES & HOLES WERE BURNED IN THE ENVELOPE. THE PLT STATED THE BALLOON WAS TOO BIG TO FLY IN WINDY CONDITIONS WITH ONLY A PLT ABOARD. HE BELIEVED THE ACDNT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY HAVING MORE WEIGHT ON BOARD IN THE FORM OF PAX OR BALLAST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N65523](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N65523-2013-07-02), registration cancelled 2013-07-02, S/N S60A-3073, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RAVEN S-60A
- Registry model: [Raven S-60A](https://openairdocs.org/model/raven-s-60a) (registry code 7480606) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 560A-3073
- Airframe hours: 12
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Orange Blossom Balloons, Inc.
- Registered owner: Orange Blossom Balloons, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 8, 1988, 12 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; flight hours: 1,480 total, 1,400 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 7 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 68 °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 19881015069769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881015069769A), Oct 15, 1988: Raven S60A, Tampa, FL, Substantial damage. Tried to land in a small field in strong wind. Balloon drifted into wires even though top was opened.

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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