NTSB Factual Report

The pilot stated the chute on the powered parachute fully inflated during the takeoff. Once inflated, the chute began to oscillate and the aircraft began to bounce. The pilot increased the flare of the chute to get the wheels off the terrain. Once airborne, the landing gear contacted a bean crop located at the end of the grass field that was being used for takeoff. The aircraft continued to gain altitude and as the pilot decreased the flare, the aircraft began to lose altitude and once again the landing gear scraped the bean crop. The pilot once again increased the flare and the aircraft began to slowly gain altitude. As the aircraft approached an irrigation boom, the pilot initiated a left turn during which he lost control of the aircraft and it impacted the field. The pilot reported that he suspected the adjustment knot on the steering line slipped which resulted in the loss of control during the turn. A witness reported that the powered parachute did not fully inflate and the aircraft did not become airborne until it was ¾ the way down the airstrip.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s decision to continue the takeoff when the chute oscillations were initially detected.