SERS · Balloon Works FIREFLY 8B · 1996-06-16 · WILSONVILLE, OR, USA
Event
NTSB number
SEA96LA122
Event ID
20001208X06117
Type
Accident
Date
1996-06-16
Location
WILSONVILLE, OR, USA
Coordinates
45.299724, -122.779602
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
2
Minor
2
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
4
Aircraft
Make
Balloon Works
Model
FIREFLY 8B
Registration
N71233
FAR Part
091
Engines
—
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the static wire, which became shorted to a transmission wire and subsequently caused a fire to erupt on the balloon's envelope. Factors relating to the accident were: the obstructions (power line wires), and the pilot's reduced ability to visually detect the static wire, due to the gray sky condition in the background.