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NTSB Report
September 1, 2012 · Handy James L Buckeye Dream MACH · N4258M
West Caln, PA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
West Caln, PA
Aircraft
Handy James L Buckeye Dream MACH
Tail Number
N4258M
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA548
According to the pilot of the powered parachute, he took off in a westerly direction with a right crosswind, and during the initial climb, the parachute veered left. The pilot tried to correct the direction of flight, but the cart struck a tree and then impacted the ground, seriously injuring the pilot and substantially damaging the metal tube airframe. According to a witness, the powered parachute was flying “normal” until a gust of wind pushed it into the tree. Postaccident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation. The wind reported at an airport 4 miles to the southeast of the accident location was from 360 degrees at 5 knots.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind during the initial climb, which resulted in collision with a tree and terrain.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot of the powered parachute, he took off in a westerly direction with a right crosswind, and during the initial climb, the parachute veered left. The pilot corrected with a right turn-bar input, but the cart struck a tree and then impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. According to a witness, the powered parachute was flying “normal” until a gust of wind pushed it into the tree. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Inspector on scene, there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation. The wind reported at an airport 4 miles to the southeast of the accident location was from 360 degrees at 5 knots.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHandy James L Buckeye Dream MACH
Tail NumberN4258M
Aircraft CategoryPpar
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Sprt · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC