History of Flight
On January 14, 2024, at approximately 0747 mountain standard time, a Kubicek BB85Z balloon, registration N4961D, was involved in an accident near Eloy, Arizona. The balloon was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 sightseeing passenger and skydiving commercial flight. The flight departed about 0630, about 18 miles west-northwest of the accident site, with 13 people onboard, including 8 skydivers. After about 35 minutes, the balloon reached about 10,000 ft msl and all 8 skydivers departed in small groups, as planned. The pilot and 4 passengers remained in the basket.
A few minutes later, witnesses and skydivers observed the balloon descending with a deflated envelope trailing. Mobile phone videos showed the balloon descending with a deflated envelope and the burner flame under it. An onboard camera recorded from preflight. During pre-flight, the envelope was inflated during twilight; surface winds were not calm. Several passengers walked under the tie-off rope. Ground crew replaced a padded fuel cylinder with a non-padded one; the pilot placed it unsecured. The pilot released the quick release and the balloon climbed.
About 100 ft above ground level, the pilot pulled the Red line about 5 arm-lengths and the Red-White line about 7 arm-lengths; the rapid deflation system opened and closed. Later, the pilot deployed anticollision lights, used pliers on fuel fittings, and secured the fuel tank. Jumpers climbed out; the pilot performed long burns. The pilot moved a pole-mounted camera; the deflation system was visible and fully closed. The pilot commented, “We’re a tad bit lower but otherwise we’re gonna miss it.” Four groups of jumpers departed; each time a swing rope impacted the envelope fabric.
Immediately after the last group, the pilot pulled the Red line 12 arm-lengths and the Red-White line 2 arm-lengths. The envelope deflated noticeably; the rapid deflation system opened. Control lines dropped. The pilot grasped the Red line, operated the burner, and pulled the Red-White line. The skirt distorted; the pilot climbed onto the rim to free the line. Despite burner operation, the envelope did not reinflate and remained in streamer form until impact. Throughout the video, the pilot coughed persistently.
Balloon Information
The balloon was a Kubicek BB85Z equipped with a Smart Vent system. The system had two modes: parachute valve mode (controlled by Red-White line) for controlled descents, and rapid deflation mode (controlled by Red and Red-White lines) for fast deflation on landing below 6.5 ft above ground level. A swing rope was not standard; the flight manual advised against modification. An annual inspection was completed on November 3, 2022. Postaccident examination found no preimpact anomalies with the basket, burner, or envelope.
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 37, held a commercial pilot certificate for lighter-than-air balloon and a senior parachute rigger certificate. His most recent FAA first-class medical was issued April 22, 2022, with 500 reported hours. His logbook last entry was November 24, 2019; the accident balloon was not recorded. Internet research showed onboard videos of the pilot holding the red cord during high-altitude flights.
Meteorological Information
At 0800 near the accident site, winds aloft ranged from 7 knots near ground level to 43 knots from 279° at 10,585 ft msl. Astronomical twilight was between 0603 and 0708; sunrise began at 0731. It is unknown if the pilot received a weather briefing.
Wreckage and Impact
The accident site was on flat desert terrain, about 2.5 miles northeast of Eloy Municipal Airport (E60). The basket landed upright with impact damage to the burner frame and base. The envelope remained attached and showed thermal damage near the mouth. The sewn rim load tape had minor fraying; several panels were damaged.
Medical Information
An autopsy of the pilot listed the cause of death as “multiple blunt force trauma.” Toxicology detected ketamine from emergency medical services resuscitation efforts, along with chlorpheniramine, hydroxybupropion, and other substances.