Cameron Balloons Us Z-105 N4019A accident near Homestead, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to avoid obstructions during the approach to land, which resulted in a collision with power lines.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, the sightseeing flight was at an altitude of about 1,000 feet above ground level. However, the passengers said that during the last mile of the flight, the basket brushed the tree tops, and impacted a power line. An eyewitness’s photograph showed the balloon at a low altitude over a nearby farm field. The pilot stated that he was aware of and knew where the power lines were and both passengers stated that the ground crew warned him of the approaching power lines over the radio. The pilot reported that the balloon encountered a downdraft that resulted in the balloon's basket contacting the power line.

A review of several nearby recorded weather observations did not reveal any indication of any abrupt wind changes or formation of any adverse weather conditions. A high-resolution weather observation at the intended landing destination, which was about 1 mile from the accident site indicated a light and variable wind was present. Based on this recorded information, at the time of the accident, it is unlikely that a downdraft or other adverse weather conditions existed at or around the time of the accident.

It is probable that the pilot, who was aware of the power lines, did not maintain adequate vigilance and failed to recognize the impending collision with the power lines.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13LA169 for the full record.