Pilot Debrief

POWRACHUTE Airwolf 912 near Oconto, WI — 2011-06-30

Final reportCEN11CA453
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Date
2011-06-30
Location
Oconto, WI, USA
Aircraft
POWRACHUTE Airwolf 912
Registration
N734MP
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The powered parachute pilot's decision to execute an in-flight full-flare which resulted in exceeding the angle of attack capabilities of the parachute wing, and subsequent inadvertent stall.

NTSB narrative

The powered parachute pilot performed two in-flight flare maneuvers at altitude. He performed the first one, released the flare, and the powered parachute recovered. He performed the second one, but released more slowly and the parachute stalled. The pilot stated that all the cells of the parachute were open as he applied full throttle. The parachute wing remained open and slightly back from vertical. The parachute remained in this condition until it struck the ground. The large increase in parachute wing drag experienced during the full-flare, and the quick full throttle input, created a climbing dynamic pendulum effect that loaded the wing, and resulted in the stall. Federal Aviation Administration guidance stated that a full-flare is normally used and recommended only for landings, as it is a situation that could contribute to a stall.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the second in-flight flare maneuver.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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