N75331

Substantial
None

Buckeye Dream MachineS/N: 3821

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, October 5, 2008
NTSB Number
ERA09CA003
Location
Lexington, KY
Event ID
20081007X12544
Coordinates
37.981666, -84.412780
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's improper decision to continue the takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BUCKEYE
Serial Number
3821
Engine Type
2-cycle
Model / ICAO
Dream MachineFK9
Aircraft Type
Powered Parachute
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
DREAM MACHINE

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MURPHY MICHAEL D
Address
3933 HILLSIDE DR
City
LEXINGTON
State / Zip Code
KY 40514-1513
Country
United States

Analysis

During takeoff from an unimproved grass field, the student pilot of the experimental light sport aircraft (E-LSA) powered-parachute noticed the right end of the parachute was not fully inflated. He checked the left side of the parachute, and it appeared to be fully inflated. When he looked back at the right side a second time, the parachute appeared to be "opened and centered." As he continued his takeoff roll, the student pilot realized he was approaching a shallow ditch and attempted to lift-off. The powered parachute then became airborne. The right main landing gear tire contacted the top of a power line. The power line broke and the aircraft was thrown forward. The buggy, housing the student pilot, oscillated under the parachute as it approached a second set of power lines. The powered-parachute contacted the second set of power lines and the buggy impacted trees approximately 10 feet above the ground, substantially damaging the buggy support bars, the frame, and the suspension lines to the parachute. The student pilot further stated that the powered-parachute had no deficiencies during the takeoff and, "I made a bad decision on the takeoff."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA003