Pilot Debrief

BUCKEYE INDUSTRIES INC DREAM MACHINE 582 near Fortville, IN — 2016-04-29

Final reportCEN16LA170
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Date
2016-04-29
Location
Fortville, IN, USA
Airport
08IN
Aircraft
BUCKEYE INDUSTRIES INC DREAM MACHINE 582
Registration
N9447T
Category
Ultralight
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The collapse of the powered parachute's canopy for a reason that could not be determined, because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies with the parachute.

NTSB narrative

The sport pilot, who had a flight instructor rating, reported that the accident flight was a test flight following installation of a different canopy on the powered parachute. He reported that he took off from the runway and climbed to about 100 ft above ground level. After making a gentle turn into a light wind, the parachute collapsed. The powered parachute fell to the ground and landed flat, breaking the right landing gear axle. The pilot suffered serious injuries as a result of the fall. The pilot speculated that a combination of turbulence and the effect of the turn could have unloaded the parachute, allowing it to collapse, but he could not be sure. He added that a higher altitude may have allowed the parachute to re-deploy. The pilot reported that the parachute passed an inspection by the manufacturer after the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after canopy installation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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