CEN15LA212

Factual narrative

On April 18, 2015, about 1440 central daylight time, an unregistered Buckeye Breeze 2200 powered parachute impacted obstructions during takeoff at Smithville Crawford Municipal Airport (K84R), Smithville, Texas. The powered parachute sustained substantial damage and the pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 and a flight plan had not been filed. The pilot reported that he started the engine, inflated the parachute canopy with air, and initiated the takeoff roll. During takeoff, the powered parachute was hit by a "strong crosswind" and veered to the left exiting the runway. The pilot reported he was confused about the engine power control and he had inadvertently increased power instead of decreasing engine power to abort the takeoff. The powered parachute impacted a utility pole and then a hangar before coming to rest. The pilot reported he broke his leg when he impacted the utility pole. At 1435, the automated weather observation system at Fayette Regional Air Center Airport (K3T5), located approximately 13 miles southeast of 84R, reported calm winds. The pilot reported that he did not hold a pilot certificate, and he had no previous ground training or flight training. This accident flight was his first attempt at flight. The two-seat powered parachute was equipped with wheeled tricycle landing gear, a 10-gallon fuel tank, and had an empty weight of about 395 pounds; meeting the light sport aircraft classification. It had not been issued a required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registration certificate or an FAA airworthiness certificate. The noncertificated pilot, who had not received any previous flight instruction, reported that, during takeoff, the powered parachute was caught by a gust of wind and veered off the left side of the runway. He was unable to regain control, as he was unfamiliar with the parachute and engine controls, and the aircraft impacted a utility pole and hangar. A nearby weather observation system reported calm winds at the time of the accident. Therefore, it is likely that the pilot experienced a loss of control due to his unfamiliarity with the aircraft. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• F Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Qualification/certification-Pilot - F
• F Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Training-Initial instruct/training-Pilot - F