SAIB CE-04-18
Current · Issued 11/14/2003 · Aerostar International S-77A Balloons · FAA DRS
SAIB CE-04-18 — Open on drs.faa.gov ↗
The FAA-published PDF is the authoritative source.
Bulletin text · verbatim from the FAA PDF · 9 paragraphs · 193 words
No. CE-04-18 November 14, 2003 www.faa.gov - Search "SAIBs" This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin alerts you, owners and operators of Aerostar S77A balloons of a hazardous condition when operating with more than four people in an undivided gondola.
Background
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated an aircraft accident of N2867W, Aerostar S77A hot air balloon. There were eight passengers on board. Two were injured, one minor and one serious. We determined that there may be safety benefits from having partitions in the basket in large balloons.
Recommendation
We are highly recommending that you divide the gondola into partitions using Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) § 31 acceptable practices for the Aerostar S77A balloons as well as other manufactured gondolas of similar sized gondolas. We recommend that you use the FAA “Return To Service” approval process or other applicable FAA approval process, when operating large balloons with four or more people.
For Further Information Contact
Mr. Taylor Martin, Aeronautical Engineer, FAA Small Airplane Directorate, ACE 112; 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone (816) 329-4138; fax (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected]