NTSB Factual Report

On October 23, 2002, about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Avian Balloons, Skyhawk, N71AV, was not damaged when it collided with wires while landing near Cottageville, West Virginia. The certificated private pilot was seriously injured, while the passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to a statement the pilot provided to the West Virginia State Police, after a 20-minute flight, the pilot attempted to set down in a field while in sight of his chase crew. As the balloon was descending to the field, the pilot observed power lines in the decent path. Before striking the power lines, the pilot and passenger jumped from the balloon. The balloon struck the power lines and drifted away, before descending to the ground about 1,000 yards to the south.

The pilot stated at a later date that he started an approach to land at a "selected-predicted" field along the flight path. As the balloon was positioned to land, a horse became agitated, and the pilot elected to abort the landing. As the pilot fired the main burner, he realized that the balloon would not climb above the power lines. Since he could not deflate the balloon or stop the forward momentum, he ordered the passenger to jump from the basket. The pilot secured the fuel system and jumped to the ground. The balloon then struck and slid down the power lines, before descending to the ground.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the landing site after the accident. He observed that the landing field was about 600 feet in length, with a tree line at the approach end. About 120 feet beyond the tree line, were utility power lines and an electric fence. No obstacles were observed beyond the power lines for the remainder of the field along the balloons flight path.

According to the Balloon Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-11), "It is usually better to fly over an obstacle and land beyond it than to land in front of it. Over fly powerlines, trees, and water, among other obstacles, on the way to the landing, rather than attempting to land in front of them and risk being dragged into them."

The pilot reported 108 hours of total flight experience in balloons.

The recorded weather at a nearby airport, about the time of the accident, included winds from 100 degrees at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision not to over fly the landing area, which resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines.