Accident
On August 11, 2010, about 2000 central daylight time, an Infinity powered parachute, N208FA, was substantially damaged during an impact with water following a loss of control while maneuvering near Little Rock, Arkansas. The pilot and passenger received serious injuries. The powered parachute was registered to and operated by the pilot.
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. The local flight originated from the North Little Rock Airport (ORK) around 1915.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, while in a right descending spiral from 800 feet to 200 feet, he and his passenger felt a “violent shudder.” After a quick look at the chute and not seeing anything unusual, the pilot attempted to return to level flight by reducing engine power and by adding opposite control input; however, there was no response. The powered parachute continued in a steep descending turn until it impacted the water.
Investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who inspected the powered parachute following the accident reported that it appeared as if the parachute experienced a seam failure at the 5th and 6th cell seam. The inspector also reported finding a broken control lanyard. The reason for the control lanyard’s failure was not determined.