POWRACHUTE Airwolf 912

Full Narrative

The powered parachute was on its third flight, and was carrying the pilot and a passenger. The pilot stated that a normal takeoff was performed. During the flight, the pilot elected to perform an in-flight flare maneuver. The maneuver was similar to a flare used for landing except that it was performed at a higher altitude. The first in-flight flare was performed and released, and the powered parachute recovered. Another in-flight flare was performed and released more slowly, and the parachute stalled. The pilot stated that all the cells of the parachute were open and he applied full throttle. The parachute remained open and slightly back from vertical. It stayed in this condition until the powered parachute struck the ground. Federal Aviation Administration publication "FAA-H-8083-29 - Powered Parachute Flying Handbook" states that powered parachutes have two basic flight controls; steering controls and throttle. The throttle controls thrust and therefore controls altitude for climbing and descending, but does not measurably affect airspeed. Powered parachutes fly at a relatively constant airspeed and angle of attack for normal flying conditions. The handbook also states that, although a powered parachute wing is resistant to stall, conditions that can contribute to a stall include a large increase in wing drag as experienced during a full-flare, and a quick full RPM throttle input, creating a climbing dynamic pendulum effect loading the wing. It also states that a full-flare is normally used and recommended only for landings. The damage to the powered parachute included bending of the cart structure, engine mounting structure, and propeller shroud tubing.