N723JHAirframes Unlimited USA-1B2008-09-07 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

Airframes Unlimited USA-1BS/N: 2007-0098

Summary

On September 07, 2008, a Airframes Unlimited USA-1B (N723JH) was involved in an incident near Surry, VA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper handling of the powered parachute during takeoff/initial climb.

The pilot stated he started his take off roll on runway 27. The parachute canopy partially inflated with a right side end cell closure. The pilot stated, "he did not observe the tangled steering lines on the take off roll and failed to ensure that the parachute canopy was controllable". The powered parachute made a hard right turn at lift off, reached an altitude of about five feet, and the parachute canopy collapsed. The powered parachute impacted the runway hard and rolled over inverted. The airframe received structural damage. The pilot conducted an engine shut down and exited the powered parachute. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems with the powered parachute.

This incident is documented in NTSB report MIA08CA191. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N723JH.

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, September 7, 2008
NTSB Number
MIA08CA191
Location
Surry, VA
Event ID
20081003X42124
Coordinates
37.044166, -76.780555
Nearest Airport
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper handling of the powered parachute during takeoff/initial climb.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AIRFRAMES UNLIMITED
Serial Number
2007-0098
Engine Type
None
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
USA-1BFEST
No. of Engines
0

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HARRIS JOEL C
Address
9325 BUCKMAN AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
NORFOLK
State / Zip Code
VA 23503-4205
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated he started his take off roll on runway 27. The parachute canopy partially inflated with a right side end cell closure. The pilot stated, "he did not observe the tangled steering lines on the take off roll and failed to ensure that the parachute canopy was controllable". The powered parachute made a hard right turn at lift off, reached an altitude of about five feet, and the parachute canopy collapsed. The powered parachute impacted the runway hard and rolled over inverted. The airframe received structural damage. The pilot conducted an engine shut down and exited the powered parachute. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems with the powered parachute.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA08CA191