Balloon crashes in Albuquerque (2015, power lines, how much)

[briloop]

My wife and plan to move to Albuquerque. She is concerned (and so am I, to a lesser extent) about balloons crashing.

Does anyone know of an online database that tracks balloon crashes in Albuquerque?

Thanks

[rwjoyak]

I'm not aware of any such database, but the frequency of such crashes is extremely low.

The chances of you being involved in a balloon crash are so extremely low that I would consider it to be zero. Unless you become balloon pilots yourselves, go up often and do stupid things.

Any crashes that do happen would almost certainly only involve the pilot and any riders. Balloons stay away from landing on busy roadways, houses,... It's not like aircraft where crashes are largely uncontrolled. Balloons move slowly and pilots typically have time to avoid things. The only atypical kinds of balloon crashes might be when a pilot is inattentive and doesn't see something like a power line.

Most balloons you see flying are hot air balloons, which means they aren't using any sort of explosive gas.

To put this in perspective, the chances of you being involved in a car crash or a home accident that injures you are much much higher than the odds of being involved in a balloon crash.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by briloop

My wife and plan to move to Albuquerque. She is concerned (and so am I, to a lesser extent) about balloons crashing.

Does anyone know of an online database that tracks balloon crashes in Albuquerque?

Thanks

The FAA should have a database, will try to find it later if no one else does... My wife and I are licensed pilots, Sihngle Engine Land (SEL), not balloons. We were on a few crews 10 to 15 years ago or so.

I recall about three events which people in balloons crashed and there was some deaths in the past 15 years or so. Balloons have minor incidents, especially during balloon fiesta.

My wife and I were Balloon Crew-members for a few years...

I am not sure what your real concern is...

Some reported in the news:

https://www.cnn.com/2013/10/10/us/ne...ash/index.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...flna8C11373024
Police: 1 killed in hot air balloon accident in New Mexico during annual festival - wave3.com-Louisville News, Weather & Sports
VIDEO: Hot air balloon explodes in New Mexico | abc13.com

[jakabedy]

She’s concerned about being on the ground and having a balloon crash into her? I’m no statistician, but I’ll submit that’s got about a 1:1,000,000,000,000 chance of happening.

Also, a hot air balloon is more akin to a hurricane than a tornado. It moves slowly and you can see it coming toward you in time to hop out of the way.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by jakabedy

She’s concerned about being on the ground and having a balloon crash into her? I’m no statistician, but I’ll submit that’s got about a 1:1,000,000,000,000 chance of happening.

Also, a hot air balloon is more akin to a hurricane than a tornado. It moves slowly and you can see it coming toward you in time to hop out of the way.

I have over 20,000 unorganized still pictures of balloon fiesta...

Here are some of the videos I have completed, 11 videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...0E4E5D824FFD4E

I don't recall an innocent bystander being injured in a hot air balloon in Albuquerque in the past 15 years. I would have gotten a phot for sure...

[briloop]

I informed my wife of your responses. She feels much better about the situation.

Thank you

[Zoidberg]

As someone who's been involved in a balloon crash (near-total loss of control, bruised legs and the balloon envelope was damaged, multiple bounces, so more a crash than a hard landing I guess), I find the original post hilarious.

I understood and accepted that my odds of being involved in a balloon crash went way up when I went way up.

Balloons travel much slower than cars, and when you're not in the middle of the street, it's just about as hard for them to run into you even if they wanted to.

BTW, that propane tank is full of explosive gas, but it's about as safe from explosion as your outdoor barbecue (pretty darn safe).

Far more of concern to me as a ground-dweller is the impact of hot air balloons on my pets. They're worse than the 4th of July when they're directly above.

Speaking of which, when you're aloft over Albuquerque, you hear the dull roar of vehicle traffic, and a cacophony of barking dogs. I know for whom the dog barks.. it barks for me.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by Zoidberg

As someone who's been involved in a balloon crash (near-total loss of control, bruised legs and the balloon envelope was damaged, multiple bounces, so more a crash than a hard landing I guess), I find the original post hilarious.

Having helped launch over 100 hot air balloon flights (an estimate) and then chase them, I never saw the above happen... However I know it does happen. I don't know how much experience you have with balloons, but bumps and scrapes do happen. Depends on the weather and the skills of the balloon pilot. My wife and daughter went up on separate rides flown by a long time friend and experienced balloon pilot. They loved and enjoyed the flight.

I have seen people damage a car trying to park it.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by briloop

My wife and plan to move to Albuquerque. She is concerned (and so am I, to a lesser extent) about balloons crashing.

Does anyone know of an online database that tracks balloon crashes in Albuquerque?

Thanks

From: National Transportation Safety Board
October 9, 2018
https://www.ntsb.gov/Search1/pages/R...aspx?k=Balloon


Hot Air Balloon Crash, Lockhart, Texas
During the board meeting, the NTSB will determine the probable cause for the … Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides Kubíček BB85Z Balloon Lockhart, Texas July 30, 2016 - Bill English …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 73KB
http://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/page...ca16ma204.aspx

Web Page
Investigative Hearing, Lockhart, TX Balloon Accident
The balloon was destroyed. Witness and weather observation information indicated low clouds … of the accident flight and safety issues regarding commercial balloon tour operations. …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 74KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/page...v-hearing.aspx

Web Page
DCA16MA204
Hot Air Balloon Crash … Enter the YouTube ID of each video separated by a semi-colon (. Example … An NTSB investigation team launched to the July 30, 2016 balloon accident in Lockhart, TX. …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 78KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/p...ckhart-tx.aspx

Web Page
Impact with Power Lines Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides Balóny Kubíček BB85Z, N2469L
the primary mitigator of risk in balloon operations is the commercial pilot certificate, yet there is no requirement for balloon pilots to hold a medical certificate to …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 77KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/a...s/aar1703.aspx

Microsoft Excel
2001_ga_annual_review_data.xls
a loss of engine power due to a loss of magneto to engine timing resulting from stress corrosion crack induced fracture, and separation of the magneto impulse coupling spring. …
Date: 10/4/2018 Size: 3MB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...eview_data.xls

Web Page
Aviation Accident Reports
The NTSB issues an accident report following the investigation. The reports listing is sortable … Impact with Power Lines Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides Balóny Kubíček BB85Z, N2469L …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 345KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/a.../aviation.aspx

Microsoft Excel
1998_ga_annual_review_data.xls
The certificated flight instructor and the student pilot departed on a local training flight. The airplane departed around 1300, and when it did not return by 1500, the operator …
Authors: Grol Date: 10/4/2018 Size: 2MB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...eview_data.xls

Microsoft Excel
2000_ga_annual_review_data.xls
The accident aircraft had recently had maintenance work performed on its autofeather system pressure sensing switches, due to reports of the left engine not autofeathering properly in …
Date: 10/4/2018 Size: 3MB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...eview_data.xls

Web Page
Major Investigations
Median cross-over crash involving a combination vehicle and a motorcoach … Collision with postcrash fire involving an electric passenger vehicle … Hot Air Balloon Crash …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 98KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/p...tigations.aspx

Microsoft Excel
1999_ga_annual_review_data.xls
The student pilot's decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating visibility, and his failure to maintain altitude clearance with the terrain. …
Authors: Grol Date: 10/4/2018 Size: 1MB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...eview_data.xls

Aviation: Data & Stats
Part 121 Accident Rates, 2006-2015 … NTSB Accident Severity Categories, 2006-2015 … There was one fatality AND substantial damage to the aircraft … Balloon …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 135KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...stats2015.aspx

Microsoft Excel
AnnualReview_2013_Public_1_Intro_20150218
US Civil Aviation Accident Aircraft, 2013 …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 12/19/2017 Size: 1MB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...150218.xlsView duplicates

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2015_public_1_intro_20171106.xlsx
1 … 1/3/2015 … 1/2/2015 … 4 … 1/5/2015 … 1/6/2015 … 1/7/2015 … 1/9/2015 … 1/10/2015 … 1/11/2015 … 1/13/2015 … 1/14/2015 … 1/15/2015 … 1/16/2015 … 1/19/2015 … 1/18/2015 … 1/20/2015 … 1/17/2015 … 1/22/2015 … 1/21/2015 … 1/8/2015 … 1/23/2015 … 1/25/2015 …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 6/22/2018 Size: 164KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...71106.xlsxView duplicates

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2012_public_4_ga_20140113_final.xls
General Aviation Accident Aircraft by Flight Purpose and Aircraft Category, 2012 … Balloon … Part 91 Personal Flying Hours (millions) …
Date: 4/6/2017 Size: 1MB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...0113_final.xls

Web Page
Untitled 1
Inflight collision of UAS and helicopter … Collision Between Freight Train and Motorcoach … Derailment of Long Island Railroad passenger train in Brooklyn, NY … Hot Air Balloon Crash …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 30KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/s...ationsall.aspx

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2014_public_4_ga_20160902.xlsx
1 … 1/3/2014 … 1/2/2014 … 1/4/2014 … 1/6/2014 … 1/5/2014 … 1/9/2014 … 1/8/2014 … 1/10/2014 … 1/12/2014 … 1/14/2014 … 1/15/2014 … 1/16/2014 … 1/17/2014 … 1/19/2014 … 1/20/2014 … 1/21/2014 … 1/23/2014 … 1/18/2014 … 1/26/2014 … 1/25/2014 … 1/27/2014 …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 12/18/2017 Size: 283KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d..._20160902.xlsx
Web Page
Aviation: Data & Stats
Part 121 Accident Rates, 2005-2014 … NTSB Accident Severity Categories, 2005-2014 … There was one fatality AND substantial damage to the aircraft … Balloon …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 138KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...stats2014.aspx

Web Page
Aviation: Data & Stats
Part 121 Accident Rates, 2004-2013 … NTSB Accident Severity Categories, 2003-2013 … There was one fatality AND substantial damage to the aircraft … Balloon …
Date: 10/9/2018 Size: 138KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...datastats.aspx

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2012_public_1_intro_20140113_final.xl s
Accident Summary for Major Segments of US Civil Aviation, 2012 …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 4/6/2017 Size: 1MB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...0113_final.xls

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2014_public_1_intro_20160902.xls
This worksheet contains NTSB accident data (one row per accident aircraft) for all United States civil aviation accidents in calendar year 2014. The data dictionary for this worksheet …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 12/18/2017 Size: 1MB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...160902.xlsView duplicates

AnnualReview_2013_Public_3_Part135_20150218
Scheduled Part 135 Accidents, 2004-2013 … This spreadsheet contains the following workbooks: … Each accident/incident is assigned a unique case number by the NTSB. This number is used as a …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 12/19/2017 Size: 189KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...5_20150218.xls

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2015_public_2_part121_20171106.xlsx
This worksheet contains NTSB accident data (one row per accident aircraft) for all aircraft involved in accidents in calendar year 2015 while operating under 14 CFR Part 121. The data …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 6/22/2018 Size: 58KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d..._20171106.xlsx

Microsoft Excel
AnnualReview_2013_Public_2_Part121_20150218
Part 121 Accident Rates, 2004-2013 … Part 121 Accidents by Severity, 2004-2013 … Part 121 Flight Hours, 2004-2013 … Part 121 Passenger Enplanements, 2004-2013 … The aircraft key variable is used …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 12/19/2017 Size: 104KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...1_20150218.xls

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2012_public_2_part121_20140113_final. xls
Part 121 Accidents by Severity, 2003-2012 … Part 121 Flight Hours, 2003-2012 … Part 121 Passenger Enplanements, 2003-2012 … Part 121 Accident Rates, 2003-2012 … Phase of Flight for Part 121 …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 4/6/2017 Size: 130KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...0113_final.xls

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2014_public_3_part135_20160902.xlsx
This worksheet contains NTSB accident data (one row per accident aircraft) for all aircraft involved in accidents in calendar year 2014 while operating under 14 CFR 135. The data …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 12/18/2017 Size: 92KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...60902.xlsxView duplicates

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2015_public_3_part135_20171106.xlsx
This worksheet contains NTSB accident data (one row per accident aircraft) for all aircraft involved in accidents in calendar year 2015 while operating under 14 CFR 135. The data …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 6/22/2018 Size: 99KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d..._20171106.xlsx

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2014_public_2_part121_20160902.xlsx
This worksheet contains NTSB accident data (one row per accident aircraft) for all aircraft involved in accidents in calendar year 2014 while operating under 14 CFR Part 121. The data …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 12/18/2017 Size: 54KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...60902.xlsxView duplicates

Microsoft Excel
annualreview_2012_public_3_part135_20140113_final. xls
Scheduled Part 135 Flight Hours, 2003-2012 … Scheduled Part 135 Accident Rates, 2003-2012 … Defining Event for Scheduled Part 135 Accidents, 2012 … Phase of Flight for Scheduled Part 135 …
Authors: Doble Nathan Date: 4/6/2017 Size: 218KB

http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/d...0113_final.xls

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by briloop

My wife and plan to move to Albuquerque. She is concerned (and so am I, to a lesser extent) about balloons crashing.

I think that a far greater danger is to be rear-ended in an automobile accident on I-25 during the Balloon Fiesta in October.