Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN12CA131

Alanson, MI, USA

Aircraft #1

N3902V

INFINITY POWER PARACHUTES LLC CLASSIC 2002

Analysis

The pilot and passenger departed from a hayfield in the powered parachute. The pilot reported that, just after takeoff, when the powered parachute was 20 to 25 feet in the air, the powered-parachute lost lift and descended. During the forced landing and collision with trees, the powered parachute received substantial damage to its airframe. The pilot added that he was unable to climb or turn the powered parachute. A witness reported that, when the powered parachute was about the same height as the trees, it looked like the powered parachute was caught in a downdraft and the canopy partially collapsed. The witness said that the canopy re-inflated just before the powered parachute impacted trees. The pilot said that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot and passenger departed from a hayfield in the powered-parachute. The pilot reported that just after takeoff, when the powered parachute was 20 to 25 feet in the air, the powered-parachute lost lift and descended. The pilot added that he was unable to climb or turn the powered-parachute. A witness reported that when the powered-parachute was about the same height as the trees, it looked like the powered-parachute got caught in a downdraft and the canopy partly collapsed. The witness added the canopy re-inflated just before the powered-parachute impacted trees. During the forced landing and collision with trees, the powered-parachute received substantial damage to its airframe. The pilot added that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause and Findings

The powered parachute’s encounter with a downdraft/windshear during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of lift.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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