ERA12CA389

Factual narrative

The pilot stated that the aircraft had been “pushed” by wind toward the trees throughout the approach. The parachute webbing became caught in the trees; the undercarriage fell and impacted the ground on all three wheels. The pilot did not possess a valid pilot certificate and had received no formalized flight training. He had flown the powered parachute for about 15 hours prior to the accident. A postaccident inspection revealed that the powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the undercarriage and that there were no pre-existing mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A three knot crosswind existed during the approach. The pilot stated that the powered parachute had been “pushed” by wind toward the trees throughout the approach. The parachute webbing became caught in the trees, and the undercarriage cart suspended below the parachute fell and impacted the ground on all three wheels. The pilot did not possess a pilot certificate and had received no formalized flight training. He had flown the powered parachute for about 15 hours before the accident. A postaccident examination revealed that the powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the undercarriage cart and that there were no pre-existing mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A 3-knot crosswind existed during the approach. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

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