N30337

Substantial
Serious

BARCHE DESTINY XLTS/N: 3C0481

Accident Details

Date
Friday, September 28, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN12CA666
Location
Springfield, NE
Event ID
20121002X14513
Coordinates
41.080833, -96.136947
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s decision to continue the takeoff when the chute oscillations were initially detected.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N30337
Make
BARCHE
Serial Number
3C0481
Engine Type
None
Year Built
2002
Model / ICAO
DESTINY XLTFK9
No. of Engines
0

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BARCHE MARTIN J
Address
4501 ANCHOR MILL RD
Status
Deregistered
City
PAPILLION
State / Zip Code
NE 68133-2706
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated the chute on the powered parachute fully inflated during the takeoff. Once inflated, the chute began to oscillate and the aircraft began to bounce. The pilot increased the flare of the chute to get the wheels off the terrain. Once airborne, the landing gear contacted a bean crop located at the end of the grass field that was being used for takeoff. The aircraft continued to gain altitude and as the pilot decreased the flare, the aircraft began to lose altitude and once again the landing gear scraped the bean crop. The pilot once again increased the flare and the aircraft began to slowly gain altitude. As the aircraft approached an irrigation boom, the pilot initiated a left turn during which he lost control of the aircraft and it impacted the field. The pilot reported that he suspected the adjustment knot on the steering line slipped which resulted in the loss of control during the turn. A witness reported that the powered parachute did not fully inflate and the aircraft did not become airborne until it was ¾ the way down the airstrip.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA666