Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering the balloon for a pre-dawn hot air balloon flight, the balloon struck a power line that he did not see. The contact created an on-board fire, which resulted in serious injuries to two passengers. The pilot was able to land safety in a grass field.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA356 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Indianola, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Memorial Balloon Field
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 3
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Arbc Inc Dba Lindstrand 150A
- N-number
- N316EB
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 2018
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.