AIRFRAMES UNLIMITED OUTLAW
Elizabeth, CO — April 15, 2019
Event Information
| Date | April 15, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA208 |
| Event ID | 20190416X81531 |
| Location | Elizabeth, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.38528, -104.60500 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | AIRFRAMES UNLIMITED |
| Model | OUTLAW |
| Category | PPAR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his subsequent decision to initiate a turn, which resulted in the powered parachute’s descent and impact with a fence.
Full Narrative
The powered parachute pilot reported that, during takeoff from a hayfield, the wind was from the southwest at 6 mph and he departed to the southwest. He added that, once airborne, the climb rate was "slower than normal" and he began a 180° left turn. On the "downwind", the climb rate reduced to "zero" and the powered parachute started descending. He realized he did not have enough altitude to complete the 180° turn. The powered parachute impacted the top rail of a fence, he shut the magnetos off, and after impacting a second fence impacted the ground.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located about 16 miles northwest of the accident reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 020° at 9 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was from 245° at 6 knots and the density altitude was "6,800+" ft.
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.