Head AX9 118 N40104 accident near New Holland, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to adequately secure the vent line, which resulted in the premature deflation of the balloon’s envelope and its subsequent contact with power lines. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's choice of an unsuitable landing area, which had power lines opposite the approach end, and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate clearance from the lines during the landing.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot reported that he chose to land the balloon about 45 minutes into the planned 1-hour flight because sunset was approaching. The pilot chose an approximate 150-ft wide, 500 ft-long field for the landing. The pilot advised the ground crew, who were in radio and visual contact, of the intended landing zone, and he was aware of the power lines opposite the approach end of the field. During the final approach to the field, the basket grazed several rows of corn. It then struck the ground and bounced along it for about 50 ft before the ground crew was able to grab the basket and stop it.

The pilot then began the shutdown procedures, and the ground crew informed him that the envelope was deflating prematurely. The pilot then noted that the vent line, which was normally secured to the basket, had loosened from its anchoring point and gotten caught between the ground and the basket during the landing sequence, allowing the envelope to deflate. He pulled the vent line free, but the envelope continued to collapse as the wind blew it toward the power lines; the basket remained stationary with the passengers still inside. The top third of the envelope draped over the power lines, which resulted in electrocution-related injuries to the passengers and pilot.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA319 for the full record.