Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind during the initial climb, which resulted in collision with a tree and terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot of the powered parachute, he took off in a westerly direction with a right crosswind, and during the initial climb, the parachute veered left. The pilot tried to correct the direction of flight, but the cart struck a tree and then impacted the ground, seriously injuring the pilot and substantially damaging the metal tube airframe. According to a witness, the powered parachute was flying “normal” until a gust of wind pushed it into the tree. Postaccident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation. The wind reported at an airport 4 miles to the southeast of the accident location was from 360 degrees at 5 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot of the powered parachute, he took off in a westerly direction with a right crosswind, and during the initial climb, the parachute veered left. The pilot corrected with a right turn-bar input, but the cart struck a tree and then impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. According to a witness, the powered parachute was flying “normal” until a gust of wind pushed it into the tree. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Inspector on scene, there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation. The wind reported at an airport 4 miles to the southeast of the accident location was from 360 degrees at 5 knots.