Pilot Debrief

SIX-CHUTER AMERICAN SPIRIT near Brownsville, OR — 2009-08-29

Final reportWPR09LA426
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Date
2009-08-29
Location
Brownsville, OR, USA
Aircraft
SIX-CHUTER AMERICAN SPIRIT
Registration
N9184F
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines.

NTSB narrative

The sport pilot was participating in a sponsored powered parachute fly-in, and he was attempting to land at the designated site. The pilot was flying in an easterly direction at a low altitude and did not initially observe power lines that were about 50 feet above ground level. Just before impacting one of the lines, the pilot saw it and increased engine power; however, his actions were too late. The pilot's powered parachute impacted the line and thereafter fell to the ground. Other pilots who had been flying in the area reported that it was hard to see the wires while looking toward the east, due to the bright sun.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a higher approach path to avoid power lines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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