INFINITY POWER PARACHUTES LLC CLASSIC 2002

Alanson, MI — January 11, 2012

Event Information

DateJanuary 11, 2012
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN12CA131
Event ID20120111X72151
LocationAlanson, MI
CountryUSA
Coordinates45.44389, -84.78667
Highest InjurySERS

Aircraft

MakeINFINITY POWER PARACHUTES LLC
ModelCLASSIC 2002
CategoryPPAR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
None0
Total Injured2

Event Location

Probable Cause

The powered parachute’s encounter with a downdraft/windshear during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of lift.

Full Narrative

The pilot and passenger departed from a hayfield in the powered-parachute. The pilot reported that just after takeoff, when the powered parachute was 20 to 25 feet in the air, the powered-parachute lost lift and descended. The pilot added that he was unable to climb or turn the powered-parachute. A witness reported that when the powered-parachute was about the same height as the trees, it looked like the powered-parachute got caught in a downdraft and the canopy partly collapsed. The witness added the canopy re-inflated just before the powered-parachute impacted trees. During the forced landing and collision with trees, the powered-parachute received substantial damage to its airframe. The pilot added that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

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.

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