Pilot Debrief

BUCKEYE BREEZE LX near Bullfrog, UT — 2011-02-13

Final reportWPR11LA133
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Date
2011-02-13
Location
Bullfrog, UT, USA
Airport
KU07
Aircraft
BUCKEYE BREEZE LX
Registration
N75752
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control while maneuvering to land at an off-airport site.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses at a campsite where the pilot was preparing to land reported that he overflew the site three times to check the wind conditions before making a fourth pass at a low altitude. Review of a video taken by a witness revealed that the powered parachute was about 3 to 4 feet above the ground when it reached the end of the landing area that was on the edge of a canyon. The engine sound increased and the aircraft pitched up abruptly, followed by a rapid descent and 180-degree turn. The aircraft did not have sufficient altitude to clear the terrain and impacted below the canyon ledge on steep terrain. The video revealed clear skies with no indication of wind at the landing area.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing after observing low altitude and descent rate.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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