Ultramagic N250-NO SERIES N59EX

Summary

On 13 September 2014 at about 15:15 local time, a Ultramagic N250-NO SERIES registered N59EX, operated by Hot Air Expeditions, was involved in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona, United States. 11 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 September 2014 at 15:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

33.2900, -112.2375

Aircraft

Ultramagic N250-NO SERIES

Registration

N59EX

Category

Balloon

Operator

Hot Air Expeditions

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Phoenix → Phoenix

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR14CA396

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in downdraft and gusting wind conditions which resulted in striking trees and a subsequent hard landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that as the balloon descended to land, about 50 feet above ground level, a wind gust and down draft resulted in a rapid descent and subsequent collision with trees. The balloon landed hard and bounced several times. During the accident sequence, the basket flipped onto its side and was dragged in the dirt, which resulted in substantial damage to the structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.