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October 5, 2008 · Buckeye Dream Machine · N75331

Lexington, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 5, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lexington, KY
Aircraft
Buckeye Dream Machine
Tail Number
N75331
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA003

During takeoff from an unimproved grass field, the student pilot of the experimental light sport aircraft powered parachute noticed the right end of the parachute was not fully inflated. He checked the left side of the parachute and it appeared to be fully inflated. When he looked back at the right side a second time, the parachute appeared to be "opened and centered." As he continued his takeoff roll, the student pilot realized he was approaching a shallow ditch and attempted to lift-off. The powered parachute then became airborne. The right main landing gear tire contacted the top of a power line. The power line broke and the aircraft was thrown forward. The buggy, housing the student pilot, oscillated under the parachute as it approached a second set of power lines. The powered-parachute contacted the second set of power lines and the buggy impacted trees approximately 10 feet above the ground, substantially damaging the buggy support bars, the frame, and the suspension lines to the parachute. The student pilot further stated that the powered parachute had no deficiencies during the takeoff and that, "I made a bad decision on the takeoff."

NTSB Probable Cause

Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C

Full Narrative

During takeoff from an unimproved grass field, the student pilot of the experimental light sport aircraft (E-LSA) powered-parachute noticed the right end of the parachute was not fully inflated. He checked the left side of the parachute, and it appeared to be fully inflated. When he looked back at the right side a second time, the parachute appeared to be "opened and centered." As he continued his takeoff roll, the student pilot realized he was approaching a shallow ditch and attempted to lift-off. The powered parachute then became airborne. The right main landing gear tire contacted the top of a power line. The power line broke and the aircraft was thrown forward. The buggy, housing the student pilot, oscillated under the parachute as it approached a second set of power lines. The powered-parachute contacted the second set of power lines and the buggy impacted trees approximately 10 feet above the ground, substantially damaging the buggy support bars, the frame, and the suspension lines to the parachute. The student pilot further stated that the powered-parachute had no deficiencies during the takeoff and, "I made a bad decision on the takeoff."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBuckeye Dream Machine
Tail NumberN75331
Aircraft CategoryPpar
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data