Summary
On April 08, 2009, a Hiller Sixchuter Legend XL (N16503) was involved in an accident near Vancouver, WA. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained minor damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to attain/maintain adequate airspeed to become airborne within the distance available for takeoff.
The student pilot attempted a takeoff in his experimental light sport aircraft (powered parachute). On previous occasions, he had successfully become airborne from his backyard. The pilot indicated that during acceleration he was unable to gain adequate lift due to the "stagnant air condition." There was little or no wind. Also, he was carrying a passenger. The powered parachute collided into a garage. The student pilot further reported that he was working on obtaining a sport pilot certificate. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunction was experienced with the aircraft.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR09CA188. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N16503.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to attain/maintain adequate airspeed to become airborne within the distance available for takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The student pilot attempted a takeoff in his experimental light sport aircraft (powered parachute). On previous occasions, he had successfully become airborne from his backyard. The pilot indicated that during acceleration he was unable to gain adequate lift due to the "stagnant air condition." There was little or no wind. Also, he was carrying a passenger. The powered parachute collided into a garage. The student pilot further reported that he was working on obtaining a sport pilot certificate. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunction was experienced with the aircraft.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA188