Head Balloons AX8 105-NO SERIES N3099F

Summary

On 12 April 2015 at about 22:30 local time, a Head Balloons AX8 105-NO SERIES registered N3099F, operated by Fisher Robert W, was involved in an accident near Intercourse, Pennsylvania, United States. 4 people were on board and 3 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

12 April 2015 at 22:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Intercourse, Pennsylvania, United States

Coordinates

40.1200, -76.2900

Aircraft

Head Balloons AX8 105-NO SERIES

Registration

N3099F

Category

Balloon

Year built

2002

Engines

2

Operator

Fisher Robert W

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Intercourse → Intercourse

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA15CA075

3 people had minor injuries.

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.

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

Read the full NTSB 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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.