Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during an approach.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during an approach to his landing area, he observed a power line in his flight path. He attempted to stop the balloon’s descent, but the basket still collided with the power line. The balloon sustained substantial damage to a suspension cable that severed from the collision.
The pilot reported that that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA023 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 17, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wittmann, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- (NA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cameron Balloons Us A-275
- N-number
- N275AZ
- Category
- Balloon
- Year built
- 2021
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.