# NTSB SEA86LA147: Avian Skyhawk, N7001N, Yakima, WA, June 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 7, 1986, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Yakima, WA
- Location: 46.5909° N, 120.5494° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Yakima, WA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.5909&lon=-120.5494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40423
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40423/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA147

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise
  - balloon equipment,burner system - inoperative (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission
- Fire, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. DURING THE FORCED LANDING THE BALLOON STRUCK POWER LINES, SEVERING THE BASKET FROM THE ENVELOPE. SPARKS FROM THE WIRE STRIKE CAUSED A SMALL BRUSH FIRE. POST ACCIDENT EXAM REVEALED THE PLT INADVERTENTLY CONNECTED THE THIRD BOTTLE OF FUEL INCORRECTLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7001N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7001N-2018-02-16), registration cancelled 2018-02-16, S/N 115, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AVIAN SKYHAWK
- Registry model: [Avian Balloon SKYHAWK](https://openairdocs.org/model/avian-balloon-skyhawk) (registry code 0900104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Balloon
- Serial number: 115
- Airframe hours: 50
- Engines: unknown UNK unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Heath Northwest Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 30, 1985, 1 hours before
- Departed: YKM, YAKIMA, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 50 total, 50 in this make and model, 35 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19860607025479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860607025479A), Jun 7, 1986: Avianw SKYHAWK, Yakima, WA, Substantial damage. The hot air balloon descended into powerlines. The pilot believed he was out of fuel due to an improper tank set up

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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