Summary
On January 14, 2011, a Powerchute LLC Airwolf 912ULS (N4306P) was involved in an accident near Alexandria, IN. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees during an initial climb following an aborted landing.
The pilot of the powered parachute stated that he performed several touch and go landings at the departure airport. He then flew to his house where he attempted a landing on a 600 foot long and flat grass strip. During the landing attempt, the pilot was "focused" on the touchdown point and when he looked up, he noticed that the powered parachute veered off the right side of the grass strip. He added full engine power and attempted an aborted landing. During the initial climb, the powered parachute struck the tree tops. The powered parachute frame was bent. The pilot sustained a serious injury due to a fractured ankle. The pilot stated that the powered parachute can take off and land in about 50 feet and that he had not previously attempted a landing at his residence.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA154. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4306P.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees during an initial climb following an aborted landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the powered parachute stated that he performed several touch and go landings at the departure airport. He then flew to his house where he attempted a landing on a 600 foot long and flat grass strip. During the landing attempt, the pilot was "focused" on the touchdown point and when he looked up, he noticed that the powered parachute veered off the right side of the grass strip. He added full engine power and attempted an aborted landing. During the initial climb, the powered parachute struck the tree tops. The powered parachute frame was bent. The pilot sustained a serious injury due to a fractured ankle. The pilot stated that the powered parachute can take off and land in about 50 feet and that he had not previously attempted a landing at his residence.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA154