Pilot Debrief

GRAZHOPPER TRIKE near Ottawa, IL — 2014-06-24

Final reportCEN14LA316
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Date
2014-06-24
Location
Ottawa, IL, USA
Airport
8N2
Aircraft
GRAZHOPPER TRIKE
Registration
UNREG
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot’s improper decision to operate the powered-parachute at low altitude through mist in a confined area while he was impaired by multiple sedating medications, which resulted in his loss of control of the parachute and subsequent impact with water.

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot was conducting a personal local flight in a powered-parachute. The pilot reported that he was flying the powered-parachute at low altitude through mist over the spillway of a dam when the engine suddenly lost power. The powered-parachute subsequently impacted the surface of turbulent flood waters just below the dam. After impact, the deflated parachute canopy flew over and covered the top of the airframe, which was then submerged or partially submerged. The pilot was able to free himself; however, the passenger was not able to exit and was fatally injured. A police officer who interviewed the pilot about 5 hours after the accident reported that the pilot's speech pattern was rambling and that the pilot appeared to be "under the influence of something." Blood specimens collected from the pilot more than 6 hours after the accident showed high levels of alprazolam and hydrocodone and low levels of oxycodone and diazepam. Although the exact blood levels of all four medications at the time of the accident could not be determined, it is likely that all of these sedating drugs were present in the pilot's system at or well above the normal therapeutic range at the time of the accident. The high levels these drugs and the evidence of impairment described by the police officer just 5 hours after the accident indicate that the pilot was impaired by the effects of multiple sedating medications around the time of the accident, which likely effected his decision-making and flight skills.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to fly at a safer altitude away from the dam.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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