UNREG

Substantial
Serious

Destiny XLTS/N: A1477DPB

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA445
Location
Athens, GA
Event ID
20090807X00923
Coordinates
34.106945, -83.438056
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
2
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain obstacle clearance during climbout.

Aircraft Information

Registration
UNREG
Make
DESTINY
Serial Number
A1477DPB
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
XLTDH2T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Analysis

The unregistered experimental powered parachute, that was being piloted by a non certificated pilot, impacted trees at the edge of a pasture during takeoff in visual meteorological conditions and calm winds. According to the passenger, two previous attempts to takeoff failed during the takeoff roll due to the parachute "falling over." The pilot then decided to take off in a direction perpendicular to the previous two attempts. The passenger added that they had used this direction several times in the past and typically would clear the treeline at the edge of the pasture by about 55 feet; however, on this attempt, the aircraft was approximately halfway across the pasture before it even began to lift off. When it reached the treeline, the aircraft grazed the top of the trees. The parachute collapsed, and the aircraft impacted the ground in a near vertical descent. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact failures, and the passenger did not notice any issues with the aircraft engine during the takeoff. The pilot was not available for comment. A Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/ Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA445