Fatal Hot Air Balloon Crash Near Lockhart, Texas (N2469L)

Incident Overview and Casualties On July 30, 2016, at approximately 0742 central daylight time, a Balóny Kubícek BB85Z hot air balloon, registration N2469L, collided with power lines and crashed into a field near Lockhart, Texas. The accident resulted in the deaths of the pilot and all 15 passengers aboard. The balloon was destroyed by the impact forces and a subsequent postcrash fire. ## Operational Details The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot, who conducted the flight for Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides. The operation was a sightseeing passenger flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight departed from Fentress Airpark in Fentress, Texas, at approximately 0658, shortly after sunrise. ## Investigation Reference The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its full accident investigation report under report number NTSB/AAR-17/03. The complete report is available through the NTSB's official accident reports page.