Pilot Debrief

Powrachute Sky Rascal near Indio, CA — 2012-03-30

Final reportWPR12LA149
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Date
2012-03-30
Location
Indio, CA, USA
Aircraft
Powrachute Sky Rascal
Registration
UNREG
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The operation of an airplane by a non-certificated pilot. Contributing to the accident was the non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during initial climb in gusty wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The non-certificated pilot reported that he waited for the wind to subside before taking off. The pilot said that when the wind subsided, he departed, but during the initial climb, the powered parachute encountered either a downdraft or a gust of wind and collided with a set of powerlines. The powered parachute was subsequently consumed by fire after becoming entangled in the wires. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have ensured aircraft compliance before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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