Summary
A powered parachute accident occurred during an approach when the aircraft entered tree-lined terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the undercarriage. The pilot, who did not hold a valid pilot certificate and had no formal flight training, reported being pushed by wind toward the trees throughout the approach. A postaccident inspection revealed no pre-existing mechanical issues that would have prevented normal operation.
Narrative
According to the pilot, the powered parachute was pushed by wind toward nearby trees as it approached the landing area. The parachute webbing became entangled in the tree branches, causing the undercarriage to fall and impact the ground on all three wheels. The pilot had accumulated approximately 15 hours of flight time in the powered parachute prior to the accident and had not undergone any formalized flight training. The pilot did not possess a valid pilot certificate at the time of the accident.
Findings
A postaccident inspection of the powered parachute found substantial damage to the undercarriage. No mechanical anomalies or failures were identified that would have precluded normal operation. A three-knot crosswind existed during the approach, consistent with the pilot's account of drifting toward the trees. The investigation did not assign a probable cause to the accident.