HUGHES AERO CORP PREDATOR
Branson, MO — October 16, 2014
Event Information
| Date | October 16, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN15CA065 |
| Event ID | 20141203X55318 |
| Location | Branson, MO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.63502, -93.22488 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | HUGHES AERO CORP |
| Model | PREDATOR |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DUSK |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control when executing a landing with a tailwind, resulting in impact with a retaining wall.
Full Narrative
According to the sport pilot, following an hour long personal flight in the experimental light sport powered parachute, he made an off airfield approach to an open field next to his home. He reported that he established a normal approach to the field and lost control of the powered parachute during the landing. He reported that the powered parachute impacted a retaining wall that stood between the field and his home. The powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the airframe.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the powered parachute prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.
The FAA aviation safety inspector assigned to the accident reported that the pilot had a habit of landing in the open field next to his home. During the accident approach, the pilot made the approach with a tail wind and then attempted to abort the landing. However, the pilot was unable to establish a climb and the powered parachute impacted a retaining wall that separated the open field and the pilot's home.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.