Buckeye Industries DREAM MACHINE N6122F accident near St. Joseph, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the powered-parachute during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the accident occurred as he was attempting a northbound takeoff from a private grass airstrip. During the takeoff roll, the powered-parachute encountered a "mild" wind gust from the east that partially collapsed the right side of the parachute. The pilot corrected by making a slight left turn, but the powered-parachute became airborne with the right side of the parachute still underinflated. The powered-parachute descended back to the airstrip, bounced, and then yawed left after becoming airborne a second time. The pilot reported that he overcorrected for the yaw and that the fuselage cart swung to the right. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff while the powered-parachute was about 6 feet above the airstrip. The powered-parachute impacted the ground nose first before it rolled over. The pilot reported no preaccident malfunctions or failures with the powered-parachute that would have prevented normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA555 for the full record.