Balony Kubicek Spol Sro BB100Z N355WC accident near Elk Grove, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s delayed decision to deflate the balloon during a static display in windy conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with a building. Contributing to the accident was the proximity of the balloon from structures during a static display.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the balloon reported that the balloon was secured to a three-point mooring system that was attached to three vehicles and 2,000 lbs of ballast was added to the basket for a static display. The wind pattern changed, which shifted most of the weight to one of the tether anchor lines. During a subsequent repositioning maneuver to increase the distance from the adjacent building for a precautionary deflation, the tether line failed and the balloon shifted towards the building. The pilot who was onboard during the static display, immediately applied burner to climb and clear the approaching building. After the balloon had ascended a second tether line failed under tension which allowed the balloon to clear the building.

Photos provided by the pilot show the folded envelope and 7 bundles of the balloon’s flying wires. Five of the individual flying wires had separated and frayed ends.

A media video taken from ground level showed the balloon floating about 30 ft above the ground and attached to tether lines that were secured to a large truck and two construction vehicles. The video showed the balloon’s envelope canted slightly to one side before the balloon’s tether line separated. One second later, the ballon moved towards the building as the basket rocked back and forth. The basket then impacted trees and flew over a crowd of people before it collided with the building. The balloon’s basket was dragged along the side of the building as it was pulled by the envelope. The video showed that the basket’s burner support rods on one side of the basket were bent as the basket hung at a slant from the envelope after the balloon ascended over the building. During the pilot’s subsequent approach to a field, the balloon impacted powerlines.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA170 for the full record.