Casualties unknown

Balloon Accident During Landing Attempts After Encountering Unforecasted Winds (N70466)

Austin, TX, US

On October 4, 2004, an Aerostar S-60A (registration N70466) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive descent rate during the execution of a high wind landing, resulting in a hard landing. A factor was the high wind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A balloon pilot with 2,315 hours encountered unforecasted winds, leading to a high-speed landing where occupants fell out, and the balloon dragged across ground before colliding with power lines.

Background

A balloon pilot with 2,315 hours of flight experience received a detailed weather briefing from the local Flight Service Station before departing with two passengers for a local flight.

Flight and Weather Encounter

Approximately one hour into the flight, the balloon encountered unforecasted wind that began carrying it at a high speed. The pilot made several attempts to land but was unable to find a suitable location until identifying an open field.

Landing and Sequence of Events

During the landing, the basket impacted the ground at a high speed. The pilot and one passenger fell out of the basket upon impact. The balloon continued to drag the basket across the ground with the remaining passenger onboard. The basket then collided with a chain link fence, crossed over a road, and finally became lodged in power lines and electrical poles, where it came to rest.

Aftermath

The balloon and basket came to rest entangled in power lines and poles. The pilot and passengers were present at the scene. No further details about their condition were provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 2004 Aerostar S-60A accident near Austin, TX?

A balloon pilot with 2,315 hours encountered unforecasted winds, leading to a high-speed landing where occupants fell out, and the balloon dragged across ground before colliding with power lines.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 2004 involved an Aerostar S-60A, registration N70466, at Austin, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive descent rate during the execution of a high wind landing, resulting in a hard landing. A factor was the high wind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041020X01657. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.