Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout during approach. A contributing factor was the power lines.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was approaching to land the balloon in an open field. The pilot stated that she was "aware that there were power lines to the right," and she made altitude adjustments to maintain clearance. The pilot did not see additional power lines in the area until just before impact. The basket uprights contacted the wires. She opened the emergency dump valve and ventilated the envelope. The envelope became entangled in the power lines and was cut be in two. The basket then dropped approximately 30 to 40 feet. The broken power lines fell to the ground and burned a hole into the cement sidewalk.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 28, 2001, at 0841 mountain daylight time, a Raven S55A hot air balloon, N40555, was substantially damaged when it struck power lines while landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, approximately 0800. The pilot was approaching to land in an open field. The pilot stated that she was "aware that there were power lines to the right," and she made altitude adjustments to maintain clearance. The pilot did not see additional power lines in the area until just before impact. The basket uprights contacted the wires. She opened the emergency dump valve and ventilated the envelope. The envelope draped over the power lines and was cut in two. The basket then dropped approximately 30 to 40 feet. The broken power lines fell to the ground and burned a hole into the cement sidewalk.