Pilot Debrief

BUCKEYE DREAM MACHINE near Hartford, KY — 2016-07-10

Final reportERA16LA254
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Date
2016-07-10
Location
Hartford, KY, USA
Airport
JQD
Aircraft
BUCKEYE DREAM MACHINE
Registration
N3519T
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined and the pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot of the powered parachute reported that, during the takeoff roll from an airport parking lot, the engine started to "sputter," so he chose to abort the takeoff. While attempting to do so, he lost control of the powered parachute and collided with a fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. A postaccident examination and test run of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff earlier when engine started to sputter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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