Probable cause
The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control after encountering shifting wind, which resulted in collision with a windsock.
NTSB analysis
A witness located adjacent to the accident site reported that the powered parachute took off to the north into the wind. The witness reported that, shortly after the wheels lifted off the ground, the wind shifted from the north to the south-southeast and that the powered parachute veered to the east. Subsequently, the parachute cables struck a windsock, and the powered parachute impacted the ground. The wife of the noncertificated pilot reported that he did not recall anything about the accident sequence.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA135 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 25, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Quartzsite, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Private
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
II
- N-number
- N8028X
- 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.