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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 26, 2012 · Infinity 2003 · N70319

Merrill, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 26, 2012
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Merrill, MI
Aircraft
Infinity 2003
Tail Number
N70319
Operator
William D Lindsay
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA678

The pilot began the takeoff from the runway midpoint at a private airstrip and failed to clear trees at the departure end. The powered parachute hit the trees and impacted terrain, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to attempt a takeoff from midfield, resulting in a collision with trees at the departure end of the field.

Full Narrative

On September 26, 2012, about 1815 central daylight time, an Infinity 2003, N70319, struck trees during takeoff from a private airstrip in Merrill, Michigan. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The powered parachute aircraft was substantially damaged. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight was originating from at the time of the accident. According to the pilot's written statement, he began his takeoff roll from the runway midpoint at his private airstrip and failed to clear trees at the departure end, resulting in what he described as a forced landing. FAA was notified on October 31, and an inspector went to the scene on November 6, 2012. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was notified of the accident on November 7, 2012. Photographs revealed the powered parachute had sustained substantial damage. The entire engine mount and parachute attachment truss structure was deformed. One of the truss members was fractured. The FAA inspector advised that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate had expired, and the pilot did not have a current flight review.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 EDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Residence (0nm)
Runway09
Runway Length1500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftInfinity 2003
Tail NumberN70319
Aircraft CategoryPpar
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam D Lindsay
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 41 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data