Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the wing's failure to open all cells for undetermined reasons and the trees near the runway.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot was taking off from a grass field in a powered parachute when all cells of the wing did not fully open, causing the aircraft to veer right. All cells of the wing then inflated and the aircraft became airborne. Shortly after takeoff the pilot hit a tree and impacted the ground. The cart frame was bent and the pilot sustained serious injuries.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA025 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 6, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Branson, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Private Field (N/A)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
PREDATOR
- N-number
- N868S
- Category
- Powered parachute
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.