Lindstrand Balloons 105A N1517H accident near Wesley Chapel, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines during landing approach, which resulted in an inflight collision with the powerlines.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that, as the balloon approached the intended landing site, he saw that the area was roped off. He then decided to proceed to his alternate landing site, which was an adjacent field located behind a shopping center. He began a descent toward the alternate site and saw power lines as he passed over the shopping center. The pilot attempted to climb over the powerlines by activating the burners, but upon realizing that it was too late to climb, he secured the fuel and told his passengers to prepare for a hard landing. The balloon descended into the powerlines, resulting in substantial damage to the cables, throat, and scoop; then landed upright in the field. Recorded weather conditions near the accident site included calm wind. The accident is consistent with the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during landing approach.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA18LA116 for the full record.