N61638

Substantial
Serious

BUCKEYE INDUSTRIES DREAM MACHINES/N: E049JS

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, August 14, 2010
NTSB Number
CEN10CA480
Location
Seymour, IN
Event ID
20100815X42613
Coordinates
38.849998, -85.900001
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

An inadvertent encounter with turbulence which exceeded the performance capability of the powered parachute.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BUCKEYE INDUSTRIES
Serial Number
E049JS
Engine Type
2-cycle
Year Built
1997
Model / ICAO
DREAM MACHINEFK9
Aircraft Type
Powered Parachute
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
DREAM MACHINE

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WALBERT ALLIN J
Address
31031 UNDERWOOD RD
City
WALKERTON
State / Zip Code
IN 46574-8002
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he departed from a private airstrip near his home for a local flight. He stated that about 30 minutes after takeoff, he was flying about 100 feet above ground level (agl), when he encountered some localized turbulence. He described it as a “swirl” and noted that before he knew what happened the aircraft was on the ground. He added that it had been a smooth flight until the turbulence encounter. The pilot commented that it was sunny when he took off but as the flight progressed, overcast clouds approached from the north. He estimated the height of the overcast layer at 1,500 feet agl, and noted that there were a few lower clouds in the area as well. The pilot stated that there were no issues with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA480