Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain clearance from the trees during takeoff into gusting winds.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that she departed runway 36 in the powered parachute and that the wind was from the east. After the aircraft lifted off, the pilot turned the aircraft into the wind. The pilot reported that the aircraft hit a wind gust and lost lift during the subsequent climbout. The powered parachute hit trees that lined the east side of the airport resulting in substantial damage. The pilot in the front seat received serious injuries, and the aft passenger was not injured.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA580 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Genesee, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Duford Field Airport (68G)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
XLT-582
- N-number
- N3284A
- 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.