Accident Details
On July 8, 2014, at approximately 0750 central daylight time, a Buckeye Dream Machine powered parachute, registration N4394V, collided with a barbed wire fence near Ansley, Nebraska. The non-certificated pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger received minor injuries. The powered parachute was not damaged. The flight was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed.
According to a witness statement obtained by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot started and warmed up the engine. The pilot intended to depart from a 200-yard-long grass field bordered by barbed wire fences on the east and west sides. The passenger reported that the pilot attempted to depart to the west, but the powered parachute did not become airborne. The pilot remarked, "We are not going to make it," and turned the aircraft 180 degrees, heading east. The powered parachute again failed to lift off and collided with the fence.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
No anomalies were detected with the airframe or engine. Maintenance records were not recovered. The pilot's family reported that the powered parachute had no mechanical issues and that the pilot had never sought an aircraft mechanic. A witness noted that the parachute appeared fully inflated during each takeoff attempt. The last known inspection could not be determined.
The pilot had no record of applying for or receiving any class of pilot certificate or medical certificate. A newspaper article from July 17, 2006, mentioned the pilot flying the powered parachute. The pilot registered the aircraft with the FAA on December 18, 2007, and received a special airworthiness certificate on January 26, 2008. At that time, the aircraft had accumulated 152.4 hours. The pilot's total flight experience could not be determined.
Medical and Toxicology Findings
An autopsy performed by the Nebraska Institute of Forensic Sciences determined the cause of death as extensive blunt force trauma to the neck, ruled an accident. Forensic toxicology on limited specimens, conducted by the FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, tested negative for carbon monoxide, ethanol, and drugs.
Weather Conditions
At 0753, an automated weather station at Broken Bow Municipal Airport (KBBW), about 16 nautical miles northwest, reported wind from 300 degrees at 10 knots, clear sky, temperature 64°F, dew point 54°F, and barometric pressure 30.12 inHg.
Final Remarks
The reason for the powered parachute's inability to gain sufficient altitude could not be determined. The manufacturer's website stated takeoff roll could vary between 150 to 500 feet. There was no evidence that the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff, with sufficient runway to avoid the fence.