Pilot Debrief

INFINITY POWER PARACHUTES LLC CLASSIC 2002 near Alanson, MI — 2012-01-11

Final reportCEN12CA131
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Date
2012-01-11
Location
Alanson, MI, USA
Aircraft
INFINITY POWER PARACHUTES LLC CLASSIC 2002
Registration
N3902V
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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