Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in collision with a barricade.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that, during the takeoff roll in the powered parachute, the parachute "did not come up straight but to the side," so he aborted the takeoff. He reduced the throttle, but the powered parachute didn't slow down, and it pulled to the side of the runway. He tried applying brakes, but the front brake was on gravel and got locked up and would not turn the powered parachute, which then slid forward and hit a barricade. The steering bar and frame sustained substantial damage. 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 stated that during the takeoff roll, in the powered parachute, the parachute did not come up straight, but to one side so he aborted the takeoff. He reduced the throttle, but the aircraft didn't slow down and pulled him to one side of the runway. He tried applying brakes, but he was on gravel and the front brake locked up, and would not turn the aircraft. The aircraft then slid forward and hit a barricade. The steering bar and frame were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.