No fatalities

Non-Certificated Pilot Loses Control of Unregistered Powered Parachute During Takeoff, Strikes Recreational Vehicle

Fruitland, WA, United States

On July 3, 2013, a Buckeye Dream Machine operated by Andrey Bondarenko was involved in an aviation accident near Fruitland, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The operation of a powered parachute by a non-certificated pilot, and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a vehicle. 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 non-certificated pilot with 5.5 hours of flight time lost control of an unregistered powered parachute during takeoff, veering off course and colliding with a recreational vehicle. The airframe sustained substantial damage, and one RV occupant sustained minor injuries.

Accident Details

The accident involved a powered parachute that was not registered. The pilot, who did not hold a pilot certificate, had purchased the aircraft approximately one week before the accident and had accumulated a total of 5.5 hours of flight experience on the vehicle.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff roll, the pilot failed to maintain control of the powered parachute. The aircraft veered off its intended course and subsequently collided with a recreational vehicle. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the powered parachute's airframe.

Injuries and Damage

One occupant of the recreational vehicle sustained minor injuries. The powered parachute was substantially damaged.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome