On October 6, 2008, a HOLMES WILLIAM E PREDATOR operated by Registration Pending was involved in an aviation accident near Branson, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain directional control, with the failure of the wing cells to fully inflate and the presence of trees near the runway acting as contributing factors. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot sustained serious injuries after a powered parachute struck a tree during takeoff from a grass field.
What happened
On October 6, 2008, a student pilot was operating a Holmes William E Predator powered parachute, registration N868S, departing from a grass field in Branson, Missouri. During the takeoff roll, the cells of the wing failed to fully inflate, which caused the aircraft to veer to the right. Although the wing cells eventually inflated and the aircraft became airborne, the aircraft struck a tree shortly after takeoff. The subsequent impact with the ground resulted in a bent cart frame and 1 serious injury to the pilot.
Findings
The wing failed to fully open all cells during the initial takeoff phase.
Trees were located near the runway area.
Probable cause
The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain directional control, with the failure of the wing cells to fully inflate and the presence of trees near the runway acting as contributing factors.