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October 21, 2023 · Powrachute Pegasus Undesignat · N52631

Manhattan, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 2023
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Manhattan, KS
Aircraft
Powrachute Pegasus Undesignat (2006)
Tail Number
N52631
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN24LA031

Before departing on the local area flight in the experimental powered parachute, the pilot installed a large heavy-duty deer feed bag that partially covered the radiator. He was concerned that the experimental engine would run “too cold” during the flight unless the radiator was partially covered. The powered parachute was flying about 400 ft above ground level when the pilot noticed that the engine overheat light illuminated. The pilot decided to continue flying. Shortly after, the engine sustained a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a road and the powered parachute came to rest upright on a grass embankment near the road. The powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and engine mount. Postaccident examination revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine. The large heavy-duty deer feed bag was found covering about 3/4 of the radiator surface area and was secured with two bungee cords. According to the airframe and engine manufacturers, neither company has published any guidance on covering up the radiator for flight operations. The large heavy-duty deer feed bag obstructed the radiator inlet and restricted its designed cooling capability. The engine then did not have a source of adequate cooling, which likely resulted in the engine overheating and a total loss of engine power. The pilot noticed the engine overheat light was illuminated and continued with normal flight operations when guidance from the engine manufacturer states to perform a precautionary landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper modification of the engine cooling system that resulted in an engine overheat and total loss of power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the flight after the engine overheat light illuminated instead of performing a precautionary landing.

Full Narrative

On October 21, 2023, about 0828 central daylight time, a Powrachute LLC Pegasus powered parachute, N52631, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Manhattan, Kansas. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The powered parachute was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that, before departure from his farm field, he installed a large heavy-duty deer feed bag that partially covered the radiator because he was concerned that the experimental engine would run “too cold” during the flight unless the radiator was partially covered. The radiator, located above the engine, sits aft and above the rear seat. The pilot reported that he departed on the local area flight with a full tank of fuel. The experimental powered parachute was flying about 400 ft above ground level when the pilot noticed that the engine overheat light illuminated. The pilot decided to continue flying. Shortly after, the engine sustained a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a road and the powered parachute came to rest upright on a grass embankment near the road. The powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the engine mount. The postaccident examination revealed that the intact fuel tank was about 7/8 full of fuel with no fuel leaks observed on the airframe. Coolant was drained from the radiator, and the coolant appeared to be in a normal condition. The large heavy-duty deer feed bag was found covering about 3/4 of the radiator surface area and was secured with two bungee cords. The engine was rotated, internal engine continuity was confirmed, and engine compression was noted to meet minimum specifications. According to the airframe and engine manufacturers, neither company has published any guidance on covering up the radiator for flight operations. According to the Rotax Aircraft Engines 582 UL Operator’s Manual, if an abnormal engine temperature is observed while in flight, “reduce engine power setting to the minimum necessary and carry out a precautionary landing.” The Federal Aviation Administration Powered Parachute Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-29 discusses radiators and states in part: Liquid-cooled engines can overheat for a number of reasons, such as coolant not at proper levels, a leak, a failed water pump, or a blockage of the radiator. Operating an engine above its maximum design temperature can cause a loss of power and detonation. It will also lead to serious permanent damage, such as scoring the cylinder walls and damaging the pistons and rings. Monitor the engine temperature instruments to avoid high operating temperature. Operating the engine lower than its designed temperature range can cause piston seizure and scarring on the cylinder walls. This happens most often in liquid-cooled powered parachutes in cold weather where large radiators designed for summer flying may need to be partially blocked off.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:28 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPowrachute Pegasus Undesignat
Tail NumberN52631
Aircraft CategoryPpar
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax Aircraft Engines · 582 UL · Reciprocating · 64
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 F / 39 F
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time07:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data