Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN10CA480

Seymour, IN, USA

Aircraft #1

N61638

BUCKEYE INDUSTRIES DREAM MACHINE

Analysis

The pilot departed from a private airstrip in a powered parachute for a local flight. He stated that about 30 minutes after takeoff, he was flying about 100 feet above ground level (agl), when he encountered some localized turbulence. He described it as a “swirl” and noted that before he knew what happened the aircraft was on the ground. He added that it had been a smooth flight until the turbulence encounter. The pilot commented that it was sunny when he took off, but as the flight progressed, overcast clouds approached from the north. He estimated the height of the overcast layer at 1,500 feet agl, and noted that there were a few lower clouds in the area as well. The pilot stated that there were no issues with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that he departed from a private airstrip near his home for a local flight. He stated that about 30 minutes after takeoff, he was flying about 100 feet above ground level (agl), when he encountered some localized turbulence. He described it as a “swirl” and noted that before he knew what happened the aircraft was on the ground. He added that it had been a smooth flight until the turbulence encounter. The pilot commented that it was sunny when he took off but as the flight progressed, overcast clouds approached from the north. He estimated the height of the overcast layer at 1,500 feet agl, and noted that there were a few lower clouds in the area as well. The pilot stated that there were no issues with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

An inadvertent encounter with turbulence which exceeded the performance capability of the powered parachute.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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