What happened
On October 27, 2024, at approximately 1755 EDT, a Buckeye Dream Machine aircraft, registration N75331, was involved in an accident near Nicholasville, Kentucky. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal flight.
While performing an approach to land at a remote grass airstrip, the powered parachute struck the ground nose-first. The impact occurred on downward sloping terrain approximately 160 feet northeast of the runway. Following the initial impact, the aircraft came to rest on its right side about 30 feet from the first contact point. The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries for the pilot and passenger.
Weather conditions at the time were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 030 degrees at 5 knots.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that there were no indications of a fire. The investigation of the mechanical components found that all three propeller blades were fractured approximately one-third outboard from the hub. The engine remained attached to the airframe, and the inline fuel filter contained liquid consistent with gasoline. The parachute canopy was undamaged with no missing panels, and the parachute risers showed no signs of fraying or damage.