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Crj-200 captain reported an near midair collision with a cluster of balloons at FL180 on descent into phl.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1250428 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201503 |
| Local Time Of Day | 0601-1200 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZDC.ARTCC |
| State Reference | VA |
| Environment | |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200) |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Pilot Flying Captain |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Conflict NMAC |
Narrative:
We just started descending from FL190 per ATC clearance when at about FL180 we came within a very close distance to what looked like several (3 or more) silver/blue balloons with a large box (looked black) hanging from it. They were not the store bought type balloons; rather; much larger. It was difficult to tell from the cockpit as to whether the balloons were climbing or descending; but I believe they were traveling with the winds aloft (approx 350/40). We notified ATC of the balloons.from my view from FD; balloons passed less than 50ft from left wing and less than 50 ft of altitude. I was ready to correct course; altitude but the timing of event was rapid. By the time I recognized balloons and turned off autopilot balloons were at 9 O'clock position to left wing.[suggestion] require balloons traveling into controlled airspace to be equipped with transponders.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: CRJ-200 Captain reported an NMAC with a cluster of balloons at FL180 on descent into PHL.
Narrative: We just started descending from FL190 per ATC clearance when at about FL180 we came within a very close distance to what looked like several (3 or more) silver/blue balloons with a large box (looked black) hanging from it. They were not the store bought type balloons; rather; much larger. It was difficult to tell from the cockpit as to whether the balloons were climbing or descending; but I believe they were traveling with the winds aloft (approx 350/40). We notified ATC of the balloons.From my view from FD; balloons passed less than 50ft from left wing and less than 50 ft of altitude. I was ready to correct course; altitude but the timing of event was rapid. By the time I recognized balloons and turned off autopilot balloons were at 9 O'clock position to left wing.[suggestion] Require balloons traveling into controlled airspace to be equipped with transponders.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.