Cameron Balloons Us O-120 accident near Albuquerque, NM
On June 26, 2021, a Cameron Balloons Us O-120 (balloon) was involved in an accident near Albuquerque, NM. 5 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- June 26, 2021
- Place
- Albuquerque, NM
- Aircraft
- Cameron Balloons Us O-120 · Balloon
- Injuries
- 5 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 35.077°N, 106.723°W
- NTSB ID
- 20210626103347
Official records · WPR21FA242
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn June 26, 2021, about 0707 mountain daylight time, a Cameron Balloons US, O-120 Balloon, N158NM, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The pilot and 4 passengers were fatally injured. The balloon was operated as Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 sightseeing passenger flight. After about 1 hour of an uneventful flight, the pilot maneuvered the balloon for landing. The landing site was located in an open field near a major road intersection. Power lines were orientated east/west nearly perpendicular to the balloon’s flightpath to the field. The power lines were hung between metal poles that were about 78 ft high. The power lines were configured with two noncharged ground lines on each side at the top along with several charged lines below each side. A review of surveillance video from a local business revealed that the balloon began a climb before the road intersection where the power lines were located across from the road. Video then depicted the balloon descending into the power lines as it crossed about perpendicular to the wires. Shortly thereafter, the balloon contacted a high-tension power line, an arc appeared, and the basket separated from the envelope. The balloon’s envelope was later located about 0.6 miles south from the accident site in a private residence. AIRCRAFT INFORMATIONThe balloon envelope and basket were manufactured in June 2013 by Cameron Balloons U.S. The balloon’s standard airworthiness certificate was issued on August 7, 2013, and was current until July 31, 2022. The balloon’s las
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while maneuvering for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of impairing, illicit drugs.
More accidents in NM
- Gates Learjet 25D, Sep 5, 1993
- Piper PA-32-300, Dec 26, 1982
- Mitsubishi MU-2B-30, Jun 25, 1992
- Cessna 421C, Feb 11, 1985
- Beech 58, Mar 26, 1982
Browse: New Mexico
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
