HEAD BALLOONS INC. AX8 105 - NO SERIES
Intercourse, PA — April 12, 2015
Event Information
| Date | April 12, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA15CA075 |
| Event ID | 20150518X32640 |
| Location | Intercourse, PA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.12000, -76.29000 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | HEAD BALLOONS INC. |
| Model | AX8 105 - NO SERIES |
| Category | BALL |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 3 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 3 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain/location for takeoff in gusting wind conditions, resulting in a collision with a building, and substantial damage to the hot air balloon.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the hot air balloon reported, "a gust of wind created a false lift effect on the balloon" during takeoff. The pilot's heat application to increase lift was insufficient to avoid colliding with a building. During the collision the hot air balloon sustained substantial damage to 44 of the 384 balloon panels.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the hot air balloon prior to flight that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.