Accident Details
On July 10, 2012, at 2025 central daylight time, a McHargue Buckeye Dream powered parachute, registration N2552G, collided with powerlines during takeoff from a private airstrip in Central City, Nebraska. The pilot received serious injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The powered parachute was substantially damaged. The local flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and the flight was originating.
Pilot and Passenger Accounts
The pilot stated he does not remember the events surrounding the accident. The airstrip used for takeoff was on the pilot’s property. He noted that the powerlines run north/south while the airstrip runs east/west. The pilot indicated that during takeoffs, he normally turns prior to reaching the powerlines.
The passenger, who was seated in the rear seat while the pilot occupied the front, reported he was looking over his shoulder at the parachute during the takeoff when he felt a “tug” to the right. The nose of the aircraft then pulled 90 degrees to the right before straightening back out to the east. Subsequently, he heard the engine power decrease and the aircraft descended. The aircraft went under the powerlines with the parachute contacting the wires. The aircraft swung backwards, and the parachute separated from the powerlines at which point the aircraft impacted the terrain.
Aircraft and Environmental Conditions
The passenger stated there was little to no wind at the time of the takeoff. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical issues with the aircraft at the time of the accident.