N912AM

Substantial
Serious

HUGHES AERO CORP PREDATORS/N: PC03079XW3

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, October 16, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN15CA065
Location
Branson, MO
Event ID
20141203X55318
Coordinates
36.635020, -93.224878
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 failure to maintain aircraft control when executing a landing with a tailwind, resulting in impact with a retaining wall.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HUGHES AERO CORP
Serial Number
PC03079XW3
Engine Type
4-cycle
Model / ICAO
PREDATORL29
Aircraft Type
Powered Parachute
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PREDATOR

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BRUENING MICHAEL S
Address
45368 259TH ST
City
HUMBOLDT
State / Zip Code
SD 57035-6104
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the sport pilot, following an hour long personal flight in the experimental light sport powered parachute, he made an off airfield approach to an open field next to his home. He reported that he established a normal approach to the field and lost control of the powered parachute during the landing. He reported that the powered parachute impacted a retaining wall that stood between the field and his home. The powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the airframe.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the powered parachute prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

The FAA aviation safety inspector assigned to the accident reported that the pilot had a habit of landing in the open field next to his home. During the accident approach, the pilot made the approach with a tail wind and then attempted to abort the landing. However, the pilot was unable to establish a climb and the powered parachute impacted a retaining wall that separated the open field and the pilot's home.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN15CA065