No fatalities

Powered Parachute Strikes Power Lines During Ridge Climb

Tracy, CA, United States

On March 2, 2013, a Buckeye Dream Machine operated by John Hollis was involved in an aviation accident near Tracy, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines during a climb. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1785761257Data APIEditorial standards

A powered parachute struck high voltage transmission lines less than 100 feet above ground level while climbing along a ridgeline, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft's structural tubing.

Accident Details

The pilot reported flying the powered parachute at various low altitudes. During a climb along a ridgeline, the aircraft struck high voltage transmission power lines that were less than 100 feet above ground level. Following the impact, the aircraft descended to the ground and came to rest inverted.

Aircraft Damage

The collision resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft's structural tubing. No other damage to property or terrain was reported in the account.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operations prior to the accident. The pilot's report did not specify any other contributing factors.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Wire