# NTSB MKC89LA175: Balloon Works FIREFLY-7, N2210H, Indianola, IA, August 8, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 8, 1989, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Indianola, IA
- Coordinates: 41.36013, -93.560562 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3601&lon=-93.5606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 18, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34844
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34844/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA175

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TV TOWER DUE TO IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION.  UNFAVORABLE WIND/WINDSHEAR AND THE TALL TOWER WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - climb - initiated
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - windshear (contributing factor)
  - object - tower(marked) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID THE ACDNT OCCURRED WHILE HE WAS PARTICIPATING IN 'THE NATIONAL CLASSICS' WITH OTHER HOT AIR BALLOONISTS. HE STATED THAT WHILE ASCENDING, THE BALLOON ENCOUNTERED WIND SHEAR THAT TOOK IT OFF COURSE TOWARD A TALL TV TOWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE BALLOON COLLIDED WITH THE TOWER AT ABOUT THE 190 FT LEVEL, THEN IT DESCENDED UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2210H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2210H-1990-08-13), registration cancelled 1990-08-13, S/N 7783 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BALLOON WORKS FIREFLY-7
- Registry model: [Balloon Works FIREFLY 7](https://openairdocs.org/model/balloon-works-firefly-7) (registry code 1050100) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 7738
- Airframe hours: 104
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Reinert, Michael P.
- Registered owner: Olsen Welding/Mach
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 4, 1989, 30 hours before
- Departed: NONE, INDIANOLA, IA
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; flight hours: 39 total, 37 in this make and model, 31 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DSM, 15 nm away

## 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 19890808029949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890808029949A), Aug 8, 1989: Balwks FIREFLY7, Indianola, IA, Substantial damage. Encountered windshear on ascent that carried balloon into collision with a cable tv tower. Gondola fell to ground.

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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