Witnesses to the accident reported observing the Eagle C-7 balloon approaching the landing zone in Ruther Glen, Va., from the south where another balloon had just landed.
A video obtained from one of the witnesses showed that, as the balloon descended and approached the landing site, the pilot engaged the burner. However, shortly after, the balloon struck power lines, which resulted in a spark.
Subsequently, the basket and a section of the balloon’s envelope caught fire. The balloon then began an accelerated climb and drifted out of the camera’s view.
The wreckage was found about six miles north of the power lines. All three people aboard died in the crash.
FAA guidance on balloon flying states that, if there is an obstacle between the balloon and the landing site, the pilot should either give the obstacle appropriate clearance and drop in from altitude, reject the landing and look for another landing site, or fly a low approach to the obstacle, fly over the obstacle allowing plenty of room, and then land.
It is likely that the pilot identified the power lines late in the approach and ignited the burner to climb but that insufficient time remained to clear the power lines.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s inadequate approach and his failure to maintain clearance from power lines, which resulted in a subsequent fire.
NTSB Identification: ERA14FA231
This May 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
More than likely the landing spot was not at an airport nor a balloon port. So, the wires would not be marked unless the property owner decided to offer balloon launches from that spot.
My experience with flying helo’s, I looked for poles near the landing site. Then scan between them to search for wires or other obstacles. Circle if necessary to satisfy my conscience. With the balloon the pilot should maybe have a portable radio to speak with ground crews and to other balloon operators for obstacles in the area. Another set of eyes always helps.
“No one can see the wires
We go to the movies and watch *Steve McQueen *in the “Great Escape” when he
needs a motorcycle…he stretches a wire across the road and we ALL know
what comes next…In the movie ” Where Eagles Dare ” when *Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton *are chased by
Nazis… they get off their side car and stretch a wire …we all know what
comes next…
California paid millions of dollars to bury the wires because the
*Condors*could not see them (and Condors die drinking anti-freeze)!
People will pay to have their names on the ball;just as the road program
where people sign a “Hold harmless” clause to satisfy the lawyers”
ADOPT-A-WIRE ” will comply with the law and save lives;
We ALL know pilots cannot see wires ;the FAA knows it ;the NTSB knows it
=this is why it is *MANDATORY* to mark wires around airports; ….
but you fail to mention this fact ….
Pilots die hitting wire on a regular base …he typically is a young ,highly trained pilot,often in a helicopter
coming back from a rescue mission…lift up and Voila = every body dies
Unfortunately the big disadvantage to balloon flying as demonstrated in this mishap is the lack of control, only one, heat and the hot air it produces to lift the balloon, and the delay involved in response to that control.