Pilot Debrief

SUMMIT II near Quartzsite, AZ — 2013-02-25

Final reportWPR13LA135
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Date
2013-02-25
Location
Quartzsite, AZ, USA
Aircraft
SUMMIT II
Registration
N8028X
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control after encountering shifting wind, which resulted in collision with a windsock.

NTSB narrative

A witness located adjacent to the accident site reported that the powered parachute took off to the north into the wind. The witness reported that, shortly after the wheels lifted off the ground, the wind shifted from the north to the south-southeast and that the powered parachute veered to the east. Subsequently, the parachute cables struck a windsock, and the powered parachute impacted the ground. The wife of the noncertificated pilot reported that he did not recall anything about the accident sequence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after wind shifted direction.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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