# NTSB Accident LAX99FA273
> **Balloon Works FIREFLY 11** · 1999-08-19 · CAVE CREEK, AZ, USA · SERS
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX99FA273) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*