NTSB Factual Report

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.

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.