What happened
On March 2, 2013, a Buckeye Dream Machine powered parachute was being operated at various low altitudes near Tracy, California. While the pilot was performing a climb along a ridgeline, the aircraft struck high-voltage transmission power lines that were positioned less than 100 feet above the ground. Following the impact, the aircraft N7193K descended to the ground and came to rest in an inverted position. The collision caused substantial damage to the aircraft's structural tubing. The pilot sustained one serious injury and was not killed in the accident.
The investigation
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions present in the aircraft prior to the impact that would have prevented normal operations. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles.