Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

September 28, 2023 · Powrachute Pegasus · N31520

Caddo Mills, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 28, 2023
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Caddo Mills, TX
Aircraft
Powrachute Pegasus (2006)
Tail Number
N31520
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA424

The pilot reported that there were no anomalies during his preflight inspection of the powered parachute. During the rolling preflight, he observed the wing was inflated overhead and he did not notice any anomalies with the wing or the control lines. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot experienced an uncontrolled left turn. He subsequently executed a landing near an airport hangar and impacted a parked trailer during the landing roll. The passenger reported to a law enforcement officer that after takeoff the pilot stated that there was a problem and that the parachute was tangled. Postaccident examination revealed the powered parachute’s tubular frame was fractured. The wing’s control lines and risers were attached to their respective mounting locations and flight control continuity was established from the airframe to the wing. Based on the available information, it is likely that during the inflation and takeoff roll the pilot failed to notice a pressure knot (a tangle or knot held together by tension on the suspension lines during deployment but not otherwise present) or a line-over (a malfunction where a suspension line is misrouted over the canopy), which resulted in an uncommanded steep turn and loss of directional control after departure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate rolling preflight, which resulted in a loss of directional control in flight and subsequent collision with an object during landing.

Full Narrative

On September 28, 2023, about 1830 central daylight time, a Powrachute Pegasus powered parachute, N31520, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Caddo Mills Municipal Airport (7F3), Caddo Mills, Texas. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he had flown the aircraft for an hour earlier that day without issue. Before the accident flight, there were no anomalies noted during the preflight inspection. During the rolling preflight, he observed the wing was inflated overhead and he did not notice any anomalies with the wing or the control lines. Shortly after takeoff, about 60 ft above ground level (agl), the pilot experienced an uncommanded left turn, so he continued the turn and intended to land. He descended and maneuvered to avoid colliding with power lines, then impacted a parked trailer during the landing roll. The passenger reported to a law enforcement officer that after takeoff the pilot stated that there was a problem and that the parachute was tangled. Postaccident examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed the powered parachute’s tubular frame was fractured. The wing’s control lines and risers were attached to their respective mounting locations and flight control continuity was established from the airframe to the wing. According to the FAA Powered Parachute Handbook, FAA-H-8083-29, “pressure knots are harder to determine during a rolling preflight. It may be very hard to see what is going on with the lines themselves, so the pilot may find it better to look for deformations on the bottom surface of the wing caused by one line being pulled more than it should be.” The handbook also notes that, Small twigs, stems from weeds, and other debris can get caught in the lines to form pressure knots. Pressure knots are a concern because they are only “knots” when there is tension on the lines. That means they are only a problem when your wing is inflated. As soon as you land, the foreign object often shakes free and there is no knot. However, while you are flying, that pressure knot can cause the powered parachute to go into a steep turn. Make sure there is nothing around to catch into your line sets. It continues, During the inflation and takeoff roll, you need to divide your attention between the direction the cart is going and the wing. When the wing is overhead, perform the “rolling preflight.” You need to quickly inspect the wing to make sure it is fully inflated and there are no line-overs, end cell closures, pressure knots, or huge oscillations before adding full power for takeoff. This all has to be done with quick glances.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CDT
Nearest AirportCaddo Mills Municipal Airport (1nm E)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPowrachute Pegasus
Tail NumberN31520
Aircraft CategoryPpar
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582UL · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · First Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time18:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data