Sep 7, 2008
Accident
Substantial Phoenixville, PA
Injuries1 fatal, 4 serious, 3 minor
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
The separation of a portion of a fuel fitting during a hard landing resulting in release of fuel and a fire in the balloons basket area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the manufacturer's published procedures to shut down the fuel system prior to landing and the operator's installation of a third fuel tank and the fuel fitting that separated during the hard landing.
NTSB NYC08FA307