Summary
On August 14, 2010, a Buckeye Industries DREAM MACHINE (N61638) was involved in an accident near Seymour, IN. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: An inadvertent encounter with turbulence which exceeded the performance capability of the powered parachute.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN10CA480. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N61638.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
An inadvertent encounter with turbulence which exceeded the performance capability of the powered parachute.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
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