Accident Details
On the day of the accident, an unregistered experimental powered parachute was being operated by a non certificated pilot. The flight was conducted in visual meteorological conditions with calm winds. According to the passenger, two previous takeoff attempts had failed because the parachute "fell over" during the takeoff roll. The pilot then opted to attempt a takeoff in a direction perpendicular to the earlier attempts. The passenger noted that this direction had been used successfully several times in the past, typically allowing the aircraft to clear the treeline at the edge of the pasture by about 55 feet.
During this third attempt, the aircraft reached approximately the midpoint of the pasture before it began to lift off. As the aircraft approached the treeline, it grazed the tops of the trees. The parachute subsequently collapsed, and the aircraft descended nearly vertically, impacting the ground.
Examination and Findings
A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact failures. The passenger did not report any issues with the aircraft's engine during the takeoff. The pilot could not be reached for comment, and a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not submitted.