Probable cause
The collapse of the powered parachute's canopy for a reason that could not be determined, because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies with the parachute.
NTSB analysis
The sport pilot, who had a flight instructor rating, reported that the accident flight was a test flight following installation of a different canopy on the powered parachute. He reported that he took off from the runway and climbed to about 100 ft above ground level. After making a gentle turn into a light wind, the parachute collapsed. The powered parachute fell to the ground and landed flat, breaking the right landing gear axle. The pilot suffered serious injuries as a result of the fall. The pilot speculated that a combination of turbulence and the effect of the turn could have unloaded the parachute, allowing it to collapse, but he could not be sure. He added that a higher altitude may have allowed the parachute to re-deploy. The pilot reported that the parachute passed an inspection by the manufacturer after the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA170 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 29, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fortville, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Whybrew Field Airport (08IN)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Buckeye Industries Inc DREAM MACHINE 582
- N-number
- N9447T
- Category
- Ultralight
- Year built
- 1996
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.