Accident Overview
On October 10, 2008, at 0753 mountain daylight time, a Sproul 72K-TET experimental balloon, registration N72KX, was destroyed after striking power lines and impacting terrain in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The balloon was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The local flight originated from Albuquerque approximately 0700. The pilot, who held a balloon rating, was fatally injured, and the owner/pilot, who was also on board, sustained serious injuries.
Witness Accounts
The owner/pilot, due to his injuries, could not submit an accident report until March 5, 2009. He stated he had no memory of the accident. In a telephone interview, he reported allowing the pilot to fly the balloon so the pilot could gain experience in flying this type of experimental balloon. The pilot had flown the balloon on four occasions, including the accident flight, accumulating 4 hours of flight time.
One witness to preflight procedures reported that the owner/pilot indicated the pilot would act as pilot-in-command for this flight. Several witnesses observed the pilot inflating the balloon before the flight and operating the burners during the flight. Another witness noted the pilot was registered at the event as a pilot on this balloon.
A witness who observed the balloon traveling northeast estimated its speed between 15 and 20 knots, with wind gusts of 20 to 25 knots. This witness noted, "As the balloon proceeded towards me... I noticed that there was no heat given to the envelope. [As the balloon flew over a ditch/slope, it] encountered an updraft from the low level winds causing this accident."
Another witness, who was participating in the balloon fiesta's mass ascension of "Special Shape balloons," expressed criticism of balloon fiesta officials for allowing pilots to take off in the existing wind conditions. He stated he felt obligated to fly as a contract balloon. He reported that a pilot briefing at 0615 included a detailed weather briefing; surface winds were less than 10 knots but "winds aloft were expected to increase during the day." He took off at 0725, flying at 6,800 feet on a heading of approximately 340-350 degrees. While flying over Rio Rancho, he observed other balloons performing "drag landings" of approximately 20-30 feet. Surface winds were easterly, between 080-090 degrees. He observed another balloon about 1 mile ahead land without being affected by high surface winds. He landed near Santa Ana Casino and Jackalope on Highway 550, roughly 1 mile from the accident site. He wrote, "Once the special shape balloons had left balloon fiesta park, the competition would begin for the other 600+ registered balloons. I could not believe that the balloon fiesta officials had not cancelled their competition. The surface winds that would be encountered during the landing phase of the flight were obviously in excess of the FAA waiver. It is my opinion that the officials of the balloon fiesta acted in a reckless manner in knowingly allowing balloons to fly when the surface winds were at a dangerous speed within the landing areas. It is further my opinion that the balloon fiesta officials knowingly caused the destruction of property and life."
Weather Conditions
Winds recorded at Albuquerque International Sunport included: at 0556 local, 130 degrees at 6 knots; at 0656 local, 120 degrees at 4 knots; at 0756 local, 130 degrees at 4 knots; at 0856 local, 180 degrees at 7 knots.
Post-Impact Observations
Photographs taken by witnesses showed the balloon approaching the power lines; neither pilot had their hands on the burner. Upon striking the power lines, the suspension cables were partially severed, and the fuel line was completely severed, releasing liquid propane. The basket caught fire, and the occupants fell to the ground, along with part of the basket. The envelope drifted away and was later recovered approximately 7 miles from the accident site.
Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations 1.1 defines the pilot-in-command as the person with final authority and responsibility for the flight's operation and safety, designated before or during the flight, and holding appropriate ratings. FAR 91.103 requires the pilot-in-command to become familiar with all available information before a flight. FAR 91.13 prohibits careless or reckless operation that endangers life or property.