Pilot Debrief

Six Chuter Spirit near Marana, AZ — 2018-01-19

Final reportWPR18LA071
Sign in to save
Date
2018-01-19
Location
Marana, AZ, USA
Aircraft
Six Chuter Spirit
Registration
UNREG
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilots’ failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision.

NTSB narrative

Two noncertificated pilots were conducting personal, local flights in their powered parachutes, one of which was a Six Chuter Spirit and the other of which was a Destiny XLT. The Six Chuter departed, followed by the Destiny. The Six Chuter pilot reported that, while cruising about 100 ft above ground level, he saw the Destiny on a northerly heading. At this time, he decided to maintain his altitude and heading and follow the Destiny because he was less experienced than the other pilot. However, he then saw the Destiny turn to a westerly heading, which put the Destiny on a direct path toward the Six Chuter. Seconds later, the Destiny impacted the Six Chuter, which then spun 180° and drifted backward while descending until ground impact. The Destiny entered a nose-down attitude and then rapidly descended without its parachute until ground impact. The Destiny pilot reported that he was unable to recall the accident details. A ground witness stated that both aircraft were in straight-and level-flight and that the engines sounded normal before impact. Although the sun was setting at the time of the accident, the investigation could not determine if it obstructed the Destiny pilot's vision or whether it was a factor in the accident. Both pilots reported that they their aircraft did not experience any mechanical anomalies during their flights. Based on the available information, it is likely that both pilots failed to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

Related mishaps