Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The noncertificated pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from a tree.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On August 8, 2015, about 1945 eastern daylight time, an unregistered Buckeye Dream Machine powered parachute collided with a tree and impacted terrain on private property in Zeeland, Michigan. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 103 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight originated from Zeeland about 1930.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene. Witnesses told deputies they saw the aircraft in a left bank when it clipped a tree and impacted terrain in the pilot's back yard.
A deputy interviewed the pilot and stated he "smelled heavily intoxicants. His eyes were glassy, his speech slurred, and thick tongued." The pilot admitted to the deputy that he had consumed "two beers earlier in the day." The pilot was asked to submit to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT). The pilot consented. The result was 0.16% Breath Alcohol Content (BRAC).
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN15LA398