N7508D

Substantial
Minor

BUCKEYE 582 DREAM MACHINES/N: 4680

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, September 29, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA587
Location
North Huntingdon, PA
Event ID
20121003X52119
Coordinates
40.363056, -79.731391
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The operation of a powered parachute by a noncertificated pilot. Contributing to the accident was the noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the climb following an aborted landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N7508D
Make
BUCKEYE
Serial Number
4680
Model / ICAO
582 DREAM MACHINE

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
STOKES JAMES M
Address
408 BELLS MILLS RD
Status
Deregistered
City
WEST NEWTON
State / Zip Code
PA 15089-1843
Country
United States

Analysis

The non-certificated pilot was attempting to land a powered parachute in a field. The field was bordered on one side by trees, and a residence on the other. Following two previous unsuccessful landing attempts, the pilot aborted a third landing attempt about 20 feet above the ground. During the climb the powered parachute drifted to the right toward the trees. The pilot was unable to stop the drift with application of full left pedal and struck a tree. The pilot then increased the engine power to full but the powered parachute continued to descend and impacted another tree. The parachute subsequently caught one of the tree limbs and fell straight down. The powered parachute impacted the ground on all three wheels, resulting in substantial damage to the undercarriage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would preclude normal operations, and stated that he should not have tried to land without the aid of a windsock and indicated wind direction.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA587