Ultramagic N-250 N59EX

Summary

On 17 November 2014 at about 16:45 local time, a Ultramagic N-250 registered N59EX, operated by Hot Air Expeditions, was involved in an accident near Wittman, Arizona, United States. 12 people were on board and one was seriously injured, 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 November 2014 at 16:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Wittman, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

33.7533, -112.5853

Aircraft

Ultramagic N-250

Registration

N59EX

Category

Balloon

Operator

Hot Air Expeditions

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Cave Creek → Deer Valley

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR15CA044

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the balloon when the wind unexpectedly increased which resulted in a collision with trees during the landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to take the 11 passengers on a hot-air balloon sightseeing tour. The pilot reviewed the weather forecast for the day which disclosed that wind speeds would be less than 8 mph. The morning departure occurred in calm wind conditions and the pilot maneuvered the balloon for about 30 to 40 minutes before he noticed the wind was becoming stronger. As he descended to land, he noted that the wind was reaching 15 to 20 mph. In an effort to make a quick stop, he attempted to activate the rapid deflation valve, which was slower than he expected. The balloon subsequently collided with a tree which resulted in substantial damage to the basket.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.