N3902V

Substantial
Serious

INFINITY POWER PARACHUTES LLC CLASSIC 2002S/N: IPP2-137

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN12CA131
Location
Alanson, MI
Event ID
20120111X72151
Coordinates
45.443889, -84.786666
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The powered parachute’s encounter with a downdraft/windshear during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of lift.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N3902V
Make
INFINITY POWER PARACHUTES LLC
Serial Number
IPP2-137
Year Built
2008
Model / ICAO
CLASSIC 2002

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
412 NATIONAL RD SE
Status
Deregistered
City
HEBRON
State / Zip Code
OH 43025-9578
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot and passenger departed from a hayfield in the powered-parachute. The pilot reported that just after takeoff, when the powered parachute was 20 to 25 feet in the air, the powered-parachute lost lift and descended. The pilot added that he was unable to climb or turn the powered-parachute. A witness reported that when the powered-parachute was about the same height as the trees, it looked like the powered-parachute got caught in a downdraft and the canopy partly collapsed. The witness added the canopy re-inflated just before the powered-parachute impacted trees. During the forced landing and collision with trees, the powered-parachute received substantial damage to its airframe. The pilot added that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA131