What happened
On August 8, 2015, at approximately 1945 EDT, an unregistered Buckeye Dream Machine powered parachute was involved in an accident on private property in Zeeland, Michigan. The flight originated from Zeeland at approximately 1930. During the flight, witnesses observed the aircraft in a left bank when it clipped a tree and subsequently impacted the terrain in the pilot's backyard.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were daytime visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan had been filed. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 103 provisions as a personal flight.
The investigation
Following the accident, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene. During an interview with a deputy, the pilot exhibited glassy eyes, slurred speech, and thick-tongued speech, and smelled heavily of intoxicants. The pilot admitted to consuming two beers earlier in the day. Upon consenting to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT), the pilot's result was a 0.16% Breath Alcohol Content (BRAC).
Findings
- The pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption led to an inability to safely operate the powered parachute.
- The pilot failed to maintain clearance from a tree.