Cameron Balloons Us Z-225 accident near Spring City, PA
On June 15, 2014, a Cameron Balloons Us Z-225 (balloon) was involved in an accident near Spring City, PA. 1 person died.
- Date
- June 15, 2014
- Place
- Spring City, PA
- Aircraft
- Cameron Balloons Us Z-225 · Balloon
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- —
- Position
- 40.164°N, 75.539°W
- NTSB ID
- 20140615X80021
Official records · ERA14LA290
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn June 15, 2014, about 0716 eastern daylight time (EDT), a Cameron Balloons US Z-225 balloon, N65625, had the commercial-rated pilot receive fatal injuries when he fell from the basket during landing in a field near Spring City, Pennsylvania. The 10 passengers were not injured. There was no damage to the basket or envelope. The balloon was registered to Morning Star Visions, and operated by The United States Hot Air Balloon Team under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as a local revenue sightseeing flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight that originated about 0636 EDT from Pottstown Municipal Airport, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. A crew member of the operator reported talking with the pilot before the flight, and during that conversation he indicated the pilot was in good spirits and, "appeared to be healthy and his normal self. There was no mention of feeling ill or that he was having any health issues." The passengers consistently reported that they were given a safety briefing before becoming airborne which included instructions for landing including to hold onto the ropes for landing, keep arms and hands inside the basket, and to squat or brace. Several passengers reported that to them the instructions were too brief, and did not include instructions pertaining to operation of the balloon itself. One passenger reported the landing procedure was practiced before the flight departed. The pilot was alert and talkative throughout the flight up to preparing them for
Probable cause
The pilot's fall from the balloon’s basket during touchdown in a field for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in his fatal injury.
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Browse: Pennsylvania
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
