Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear power lines during flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was flying the powered parachute over a river and struck power lines. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 3, 2011, about 1853 central daylight time, a Condor Southern Powered Parachute Raptor, N6012H, sustained minor damage when it struck powerlines near Weyauwega, Wisconsin. The pilot suffered serious injuries. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight originated from a private residence in Weyauwega, Wisconsin, at an unconfirmed time. A report submitted on behalf of the pilot stated that he was flying over the Wolf River and struck power lines. Examination of the aircraft after the accident revealed minor damage. No anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot held a student pilot certificate that was issued on August 6, 2007. The report submitted did not list flight experience or training the pilot may have received.