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.