# NTSB WPR12CA163: Avian Balloon Magnum IX, N2037U, Sedona, AZ, April 10, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: April 10, 2012, 07:30 local (14:30 UTC) - Place: Sedona, AZ - Coordinates: 34.848331, -111.78833 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8483&lon=-111.7883&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Approach: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250); [Approach: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 14 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 28, 2012 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 83375 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR12CA163 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/83375/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83375 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA163 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance during approach for landing between his basket and the envelope of another balloon that was also on approach, which resulted in a midair collision. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The pilot of another balloon did not maintain adequate clearance during approach for landing between his basket and the envelope of this balloon that was also on approach, which resulted in a midair collision. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0900110), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=0900110), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: descent/approach/glide path](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md?model=0900110), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0900110), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: descent/approach/glide path](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md?model=0900110), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=0900110), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=0900110), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) - [Approach: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=0900110), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) Two balloons were on approach to land and collided into each other. Balloon A, N2037U, was at a lower altitude and in front of balloon B, N20513. As the pilots were descending to land, balloon A began to slow about 10 feet above ground level and the pilot of balloon B realized that the balloons' envelopes might touch, which he noted was not uncommon during takeoffs and landings. As balloon A came closer into his view, he thought the contact may push it into the ground, so he decided to ascend. During the climb, the basket of balloon B collided with the envelope of balloon A, tearing two of its panels just above the equator, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot of balloon B landed his balloon without further incident. The pilot of balloon A observed the envelope tearing and opened both burners. His balloon contacted the ground and bounced, momentarily becoming airborne again before touching down. Both pilots stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloons that would have precluded normal operation. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) Two balloons were on approach to land and collided into each other. Balloon A, N2037U, was at a lower altitude and in front of balloon B, N20513. As the pilots were descending to land, balloon A began to slow about 10 feet above ground level and the pilot of balloon B realized that the balloons' envelopes might touch, which he noted was not uncommon during takeoffs and landings. As balloon A came closer into his view, he thought the contact may push it into the ground, so he decided to ascend. During the climb, the basket of balloon B collided with the envelope of balloon A, tearing two of its panels just above the equator, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot of balloon B landed his balloon without further incident. The pilot of balloon A observed the envelope tearing and opened both burners. His balloon contacted the ground and bounced, momentarily becoming airborne again before touching down. Both pilots stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloons that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) The pilot flying balloon N2037U stated that he was making an approach to land when he noticed balloon N20513 behind him making an approach as well. He heard the envelope of his balloon tearing and observed the basket of N20513 ripping the material. The pilot opened both burners and instructed the passengers to brace themselves during touchdown. N2037U contacted the ground and bounced, momentarily becoming airborne again before touching down. The pilot flying balloon N20513 stated that he was making an approach to land and observed balloon N2037U landing ahead of his position. He noticed N2037U began to slow as it was descending through about 10 feet above ground level. He realized that the balloons' envelopes may touch, which he noted was not uncommon during takeoffs and landings. As N2037U came closer into his view, he thought the contact may push it into the ground and decided to ascend. During the climb, the basket of his balloon collided with the envelope of N2037U, tearing two of its panels. He landed his balloon without further incident. The pilot of N20513 stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had maintained the same altitude as N2037U. Both pilots stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloons that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) The pilot flying balloon N2037U stated that he was making an approach to land when he noticed balloon N20513 behind him making an approach as well. He heard the envelope of his balloon tearing and observed the basket of N20513 ripping the material. The pilot opened both burners and instructed the passengers to brace themselves during touchdown. N2037U contacted the ground and bounced, momentarily becoming airborne again before touching down. The pilot flying balloon N20513 stated that he was making an approach to land and observed balloon N2037U landing ahead of his position. He noticed N2037U began to slow as it was descending through about 10 feet above ground level. He realized that the balloons' envelopes may touch, which he noted was not uncommon during takeoffs and landings. As N2037U came closer into his view, he thought the contact may push it into the ground and decided to ascend. During the climb, the basket of his balloon collided with the envelope of N2037U, tearing two of its panels. He landed his balloon without further incident. The pilot of N20513 stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had maintained the same altitude as N2037U. Both pilots stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloons that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N2037U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2037U), registered now, S/N 202, built 1997 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AVIAN BALLOON MAGNUM IX - Registry model: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX](https://openairdocs.org/model/avian-balloon-magnum-ix) (registry code 0900110) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Balloon - Serial number: 202 - Airframe hours: 232 - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Operator: Northern Light Balloon Expeditions - Registered owner: Northern Light Balloon Expeditions - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, February 28, 2012 - Departed: SEZ, Sedona, AZ - Destination: Sedona, AZ - Airport: SEZ, Sedona Airport ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N20513](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N20513), registered now, S/N 204, built 1998 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AVIAN BALLOON MAGNUM IX - Registry model: [Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX](https://openairdocs.org/model/avian-balloon-magnum-ix) (registry code 0900110) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Balloon - Serial number: 204 - Airframe hours: 542 - Damage: No damage - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Operator: Northern Light Balloon Expeditions - Registered owner: Northern Light Balloon Expeditions - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, January 6, 2012 - Departed: SEZ, Sedona, AZ - Destination: Sedona, AZ - Airport: SEZ, Sedona Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N2037U; age 58; injuries: none; commercial; last flight review October 5, 2010; flight hours: 6,882 total, 5,000 in this make and model - Pilot, aircraft N20513; age 59; injuries: none; commercial; last flight review October 28, 2010; flight hours: 7,913 total, 7,703 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Temperature: 50 °F ## FAA reports on this event (2) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20120410006172A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120410006172A), Apr 10, 2012: Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, Substantial damage. Pilot was landing his balloon and his envelope was struck by another balloon's (N20513) basket during the approach to landing. Pilot did state he had to make… - [Accident 20120410006422A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120410006422A), Apr 10, 2012: Avian Balloon MAGNUM IX, Substantial damage. Pilot was approaching to land in a open field and the basket of his balloon made contact with the envelope of another balloon causing it to rip. The pilot said… ## Other investigations on N2037U (1) 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. - [NTSB LAX02LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA111), Mar 16, 2002: Avian Magnum IX (N2037U), Sedona, AZ, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's decision to continue the landing approach after encountering a high wind condition. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to use the trees to try and slow the balloon's ground… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 15, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83375. 7.9 MB in all. - N20513 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 4.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367676&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=N20513%20Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - N2037U Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 2, .PDF, 3.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367677&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=N2037U%20Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF 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.