DESTINY XLT near Hart, MI — 2012-08-24

Probable cause

The partial deflation of the powered parachute canopy when the pilot flew the aircraft into an area with gusty wind conditions. Contributing to the accident were the modifications that changed the flying characteristics of the parachute.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident were the modifications that changed the flying characteristics of the parachute.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was flying his powered parachute on a local flight when he encountered a strong and gusty tailwind. A video showed that the powered parachute cart then rocked fore and aft, while the parachute canopy moved fore and aft above the cart until the left side of the parachute canopy deformed and collapsed. The powered parachute then entered a descending left spiral. During the descent the left side of the parachute reinflated, and the powered parachute impacted terrain nose down with a partially inflated canopy. A postaccident examination of the wreckage and the video of the accident revealed no evidence of preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The powered parachute ram-air canopy retains its airfoil shape because of the relative wind airflow entering its front openings. Examination of the accident powered parachute revealed that modifications to lower the canopy's angle of attack had been made, to allow for quicker rotation and additional forward speed. However, these modifications decreased the canopy's angle of attack such that it would partially collapse when wind gusts were encountered.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have avoided flying in gusty downwind conditions.

NTSB coding

• Loss of lift · Maneuvering-low-alt flying

Evidence available

• Video
• 7 docket documents

Docket documents7

• Miscellaneous - Communication Summary Accredited Representative Commentsother
• Miscellaneous - Letter From Sport Pilot CFIother
• Miscellaneous - Paramotor Reflex Wing Profile Excerpt From Wikipediaother
• Miscellaneous - Powered Parachute Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-29other
• Toxicological Reportreport
• Weather Reports and Recordsreport
• Video Filevideo

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