Probable cause
An on-board fire following a propane leak. Contributing to the accident was the lack of training/experience of the non-certificated pilot.
NTSB analysis
A non-certificated balloon pilot made a tethered balloon flight. During the ascent, a propane leak and fire broke out on-board. The fire caused one of the propane tanks to explode. At an altitude of approximately 80 feet, the pilot jumped to escape the burning craft. The balloon's basket then separated from the envelope and fell to the ground. When ground handlers went to aid the pilot, a second propane tank exploded, causing serious burn injuries to one of the participants. A reason for the propane leak was not determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08LA206 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 17, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mountain Grove, Missouri
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
Balloon Works Firefly 7-15
- N-number
- N90897
- Category
- Balloon
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.