MIA98LA134

The pilot expected the winds to be from the south at 12 to 17 knots. While approaching the ground based mast for mooring from the north, with the groundcrew in control of the blimp, a gust of wind from the right, estimated to be at about 30 knots, acted on the blimp blowing it toward trees to the east. The pilot attempted to regain control and avoid the trees by adding full engine power. This was unsuccessful and the blimp contacted the trees and the air bag was torn open. The gondola descended and landed hard causing the right landing gear to collapse.

On April 16, 1998, about 1530 eastern daylight time, an American Blimp Corporation A-1-50 blimp, N151LG, registered to Virgin Lightship Group, collided with trees while attempting to moor at Quincy Municipal Airport, Quincy, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The blimp received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot and second pilot were not injured. The flight originated from Tallahassee, Florida, the same day, about 1300.

The pilot stated they had been giving rides from a field near Tallahassee. When it became too windy for landing, they discharged all passengers and flew around the area for about 2 hours to advertise. They then proceeded to Quincy Municipal Airport, where they were basing the blimp. The wind seemed much stronger at the Quincy Municipal Airport than at the field in Tallahassee. While approaching the ground-based mast for mooring, with the ground crew in control of the blimp, a wind gust, estimated to be about 30 knots, acted on the blimp and blew it to the east toward trees. He applied full engine power to try and avoid the trees; however, the blimp collided with the trees. The bag was torn and lost buoyancy. The gondola descended and landed hard, at which time the right landing gear collapsed.