SERS · Balloon Works FIREFLY 11 · 1999-08-19 · CAVE CREEK, AZ, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX99FA273
Event ID
20001212X19550
Type
Accident
Date
1999-08-19
Location
CAVE CREEK, AZ, USA
Coordinates
33.68016, -112.04
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
1
Minor
4
Uninjured
8
Total aboard
13
Aircraft
Make
Balloon Works
Model
FIREFLY 11
Registration
N7021U
FAR Part
091
Engines
—
Damage
MINR
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
An unforecast encounter with a low level microburst that resulted in a distortion of the balloon envelope, an excessive outflow of hot air (loss of lift), creating an excessive rate of descent that was beyond the performance capability of the balloon to recover in the altitude available. The failure of a passenger to follow the emergency procedures directives of the pilot was a factor in this accident.