N377JA

The pilot of the powered parachute stated that he set up a wind sock in a pasture located in hilly terrain lined by trees prior to the flight. Before beginning his takeoff, the wind sock indicated the winds were calm. However, during the takeoff, the powered parachute encountered a gust of wind, was blown to the left, and collided with some bushes. The vertical front support tube received structural damage. The nearest weather reporting facility is located 14 miles northwest of the accident site and was reporting no wind gusts at the time of the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site confirmed the pilot's statement of gusty wind conditions. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the powered parachute.