Cameron Balloons Us O-120 N158NM accident near Albuquerque, New Mexico

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while maneuvering for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of impairing, illicit drugs.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting a sightseeing flight, with four passengers on board the balloon. Near the conclusion of the flight, the pilot maneuvered the balloon to land in an open field across a major intersection. Power lines were orientated nearly perpendicular to the balloon’s flight path to the field. The power lines were hung between metal poles that were about 78 ft high.

A review of surveillance video from a local business revealed that the balloon began a climb before the intersection, with the power lines across the road. Video then depicted the balloon descending into the power lines as it crossed about perpendicular to the wires. Shortly thereafter, the balloon contacted a high-tension power line, an arc appeared, and the basket separated from the envelope and subsequently impacted the road.

A postaccident examination of the balloon revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Postmortem toxicology testing of specimens from the pilot was consistent with the recent use of cannabis (THC) and cocaine. The pilot’s cavity blood THC concentration was detected at 5.5 ng/mL, suggesting that usage was within the last few hours. Some impairing effects of THC would likely have been present that would have affected the pilot’s ability to successfully operate the balloon. Cocaine was detected in blood and urine at levels that suggested recent use. At the time of the accident, the impairing effects of the pilot’s use of THC and cocaine likely contributed to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21FA242 for the full record.