Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle during takeoff and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The instructional flight in the powered parachute was departing when the student pilot suddenly turned the aircraft to the left while climbing. The flight instructor then turned the aircraft to the right and added full power, but the aircraft contacted a utility line that was in several pine trees along the planned takeoff path. The aircraft then descended and its parachute contacted treetops before falling to the ground and damaging the frame adjacent to the propeller, resulting in substantial damage. The flight instructor was uninjured and the student pilot sustained serious injuries.
Source record
Factual narrative
The instructional flight in a powered parachute was departing from the instructor's residence when the student pilot "unexpectedly" turned the aircraft to the left while climbing. The flight instructor then turned the aircraft to the right and added full power, but the aircraft contacted a utility line that was in several pine trees about 21-28 feet in height along the planned takeoff path. The aircraft then descended and its parachute contacted treetops that were adjacent to a road across from the instructor's residence. The aircraft then fell to the ground, damaging the frame adjacent to the propeller, resulting in substantial damage. The flight instructor was uninjured and the student pilot sustained serious injuries.