KUBICEK BB85
Lockhart, TX — July 30, 2016
Event Information
| Date | July 30, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Lockhart, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 29.80000, -97.60000 |
| Highest Injury | FATL |
| NTSB Number | DCA16MA204 |
| Event ID | 20160730X25341 |
Aircraft
| Make | KUBICEK |
| Model | BB85 |
| Registration # | N2469L |
| Operator | Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides |
| Owner | NICHOLS ALFRED G |
| Category | BALL |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | DEST |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | IMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 16 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 16 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's pattern of poor decision-making that led to the initial launch, continued flight in fog and above clouds, and descent near or through clouds that decreased the pilot's ability to see and avoid obstacles. Contributing to the accident were (1) the pilot's impairing medical conditions and medications and (2) the Federal Aviation Administration's policy to not require a medical certificate for commercial balloon pilots.
Full Narrative
The NTSB's full report is available at http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/AccidentReports.aspx. The Aircraft Accident Report number is NTSB/AAR-17/03.
On July 30, 2016, about 0742 central daylight time, a Balóny Kubícek BB85Z hot air balloon, N2469L, operated by Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides, struck power lines and crashed in a field near Lockhart, Texas. The pilot and 15 passengers died, and the balloon was destroyed by impact forces and postcrash fire. The balloon was owned and operated by the pilot, and the flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a sightseeing passenger flight. The flight originated about 0658, just after sunrise, from Fentress Airpark, Fentress, Texas.
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.