Pilot Debrief

BUCKEYE BREEZE near Smithville, TX — 2015-04-18

Final reportCEN15LA212
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Date
2015-04-18
Location
Smithville, TX, USA
Airport
84R
Aircraft
BUCKEYE BREEZE
Registration
UNREG
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in impact with a utility pole and hangar. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain flight instruction before attempting to fly the aircraft.

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot, who had not received any previous flight instruction, reported that, during takeoff, the powered parachute was caught by a gust of wind and veered off the left side of the runway. He was unable to regain control, as he was unfamiliar with the parachute and engine controls, and the aircraft impacted a utility pole and hangar. A nearby weather observation system reported calm winds at the time of the accident. Therefore, it is likely that the pilot experienced a loss of control due to his unfamiliarity with the aircraft.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff before losing control due to crosswind.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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