Pilot Debrief

INFINITY INFINITY 2003 near Wilmore, KY — 2012-07-16

Final reportERA12CA462
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Date
2012-07-16
Location
Wilmore, KY, USA
Aircraft
INFINITY INFINITY 2003
Registration
N5627G
Category
Powered parachute
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of lift on initial climb for unreported reasons, which resulted in a collision with trees and the ground.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the powered parachute was taking off and stated that he advanced the throttle to about two-thirds power and that the parachute “went from left to right.” He decreased the throttle, and the parachute stopped oscillating and “kitted up” correctly. He increased power and they became airborne in a slow climb about 30 mph and were approaching a tree line. The aircraft was not achieving lift, so he maneuvered the aircraft toward a cut in the trees. The nose of the airframe collided with the trees. He added power to level the airframe, and they collided with the ground. The aircraft sustained minor damage; the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot stated that he may have encountered a downdraft. The nearest airport to the crash site was located 15 miles to the northeast and the wind there was reported as calm. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal aircraft operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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