NTSB Factual Report

On April 23, 2016 about 1730 central daylight time (CDT), a Buckeye Industries, Dream Machine powered parachute, N2564A, impacted a tree shortly after takeoff from a private field about 2.5 miles southeast of Culver, Indiana. The solo non-certificated pilot sustained serious injuries. The powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The powered parachute was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR), personal local flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, no flight plan was filed.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration Inspector who responded to the accident, the pilot did not hold any flight certificates and has not had any previous flight instruction. He further reported that the powered parachute had been purchased about three days prior to the accident flight. The pilot told the inspector that he was unaware that he needed flight training or a flight certificate to fly the powered parachute.

The pilot reported that on his second attempt to take off from a grass field, he attempted to avoid a tree by using the right rudder pedal, but the powered parachute drifted left and impacted a tree.

The powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the envelope.

According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration has published the Powered Parachute Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-29 (2007). This handbook discusses the pilot certificate eligibility requirements and states in part: You may not act as pilot in command (PIC) of a light-sport aircraft powered parachute unless you hold a pilot certificate with a powered parachute rating issued by the FAA.

NTSB Probable Cause

The noncertificated pilot’s failure to attain a climb in the powered-parachute and its subsequent impact with a tree.