Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines during a climb.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was flying his powered parachute at various low altitudes, and that, during a climb along a ridgeline, it struck high-voltage transmission power lines less than 100 feet above ground level. The powered parachute descended to the ground and came to rest inverted, substantially damaging its structural tubing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA136 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 2, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tracy, California
- Nearest airport
- Tracy Municipal Airport (TCY)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Buckeye Dream Machine
- N-number
- N7193K
- 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.