Accident Summary
On July 10, 2016, at 1845 central daylight time, a Buckeye Dream Machine powered parachute, registration N3519T, was substantially damaged at Ohio County Airport (JQD) in Hartford, Kentucky. The student pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was privately owned and operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight, which was originating at the time of the accident.
According to the pilot, he prepared for takeoff from a parking lot at the airport. He started the engine and began the takeoff roll. During the roll, the engine began to sputter, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff. While attempting to abort, he lost control of the powered parachute, which subsequently collided with a chain link fence.
Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. The left frame support tube was broken from the main tube structure. A mechanic performed a cursory examination of the engine and conducted a test run. No anomalies were noted during the examination and test run that would have precluded normal operation.