Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude and the powered parachute’s subsequent impact with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude, about 100 ft, during a left turn, the powered parachute descended about 20 ft. He applied full throttle to gain altitude, but the climb rate was too low to clear trees. Subsequently, the powered parachute impacted the trees and came to rest suspended in a tree about 6 ft above the ground. The powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the left steering bar. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude, about 100 ft., during a left turn the powered parachute descended about 20 ft. He applied full throttle to gain altitude, but the climb rate was too low to clear trees. Subsequently, the powered parachute impacted the trees and came to rest suspended in a tree about 6 ft above the ground. The powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the left steering bar. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation.