Accident Overview
On April 18, 2015, at approximately 1440 central daylight time, an unregistered Buckeye Breeze 2200 powered parachute impacted obstructions during takeoff at Smithville Crawford Municipal Airport (K84R) in Smithville, Texas. The powered parachute sustained substantial damage and the pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and no flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, he started the engine, inflated the parachute canopy, and initiated the takeoff roll. During the takeoff, a strong crosswind caused the powered parachute to veer left and exit the runway. The pilot stated he became confused about the engine power control and inadvertently increased power instead of decreasing it to abort the takeoff. The powered parachute subsequently struck a utility pole and then a hangar before coming to rest. The pilot reported breaking his leg upon impact with the utility pole.
Weather Conditions
At 1435, the automated weather observation system at Fayette Regional Air Center Airport (K3T5), located approximately 13 miles southeast of K84R, reported calm winds.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot reported that he did not hold a pilot certificate and had no previous ground or flight training. This accident flight was his first attempt at flight. The two-seat powered parachute was equipped with wheeled tricycle landing gear, a 10-gallon fuel tank, and had an empty weight of about 395 pounds, meeting the light sport aircraft classification. The aircraft had not been issued a required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registration certificate or an FAA airworthiness certificate.