Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The noncertificated pilots’ failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On January 18, 2018, about 1730 mountain standard time, an unregistered Six Chuter Spirit experimental, light sport powered parachute and an unregistered Destiny XLT experimental, light sport powered parachute were both substantially damaged when they were involved in an accident near Marana, Arizona. The Destiny pilot sustained serious injuries, and the Six Chuter pilot was not injured. Both aircraft were being operated as Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flights.
The pilot in the Six Chuter reported that, after being flown as a passenger for a few hours in a powered parachute, he was invited to fly the Six Chuter, which departed first, followed by the Destiny. The Six Chuter pilot added that, while cruising about 100 ft above ground level, he saw the Destiny on a northerly heading. At this time, he decided to maintain his altitude and heading and follow the Destiny because he was less experienced than the other pilot. However, he then saw the Destiny turn to a westerly heading, which put the Destiny on a direct path toward the Six Chuter. Seconds later, the Destiny impacted the Six Chuter, which then spun 180° and drifted backward while descending until ground impact. The Destiny entered a nose-down attitude and rapidly descended to the ground without its parachute. The Destiny pilot reported that he was unable to recall the accident details.
A ground witness, who was about 1/2 mile from the accident site, stated that both aircraft were in straight-and level-flight and that the engines sounded normal before impact.
The Six Chuter pilot reported that he had received a few hours of flight training in powered parachutes before the accident but that he had not received any formal training toward a private pilot certificate. The witness reported that the pilot of the Destiny had been flying powered parachutes for about 20 years. He did not hold a pilot certificate.
According to the United States Naval Observatory Astronomic Applications Department, sunset was at 1744 on the day of the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR18LA071