# NTSB CEN09CA371: Buckeye Dream Mach, N2526J, Marian, IN, June 23, 2009 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 22, 2009, 21:35 local (Jun 23, 2009, 01:35 UTC) - Place: Marian, IN - Coordinates: 40.508056, -85.723609 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5081&lon=-85.7236&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed, report September 30, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 74105 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN09CA371 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/74105/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74105 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA371 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the utility pole and power lines. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Experience/qualifications: qualification/certification](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot; cases with it: [Buckeye DREAM MACHINE, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md?model=05901BU), [All aircraft, 280 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md) - [Planning/preparation: flight planning/navigation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061025): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Buckeye DREAM MACHINE, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061025/cases.md?model=05901BU), [All aircraft, 179 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061025/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Response/compensation (probable cause); cases with it: [Buckeye DREAM MACHINE, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=05901BU), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event); cases with it: [Buckeye DREAM MACHINE, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=05901BU), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis The powered parachute was taking off from a field behind a residence when the accident occurred. A witness stated that the aircraft took off and flew over the residence prior to him hearing a "crash." He then observed the aircraft on the ground with power lines around it. The parachute and parachute lines were wrapped around the utility pole and power lines. The operating limitations for the aircraft state that the pilot in command of the aircraft must hold at least a student pilot certificate, a sport pilot certificate, or a recreational pilot certificate with the appropriate endorsements. The pilot in command did not hold a pilot certificate. ## Factual narrative The powered parachute was taking off from a field behind a residence when the accident occurred. A witness stated the aircraft took off and flew over the residence prior to him hearing a "crash." He then observed the aircraft on the ground with power lines around it. The parachute and parachute lines were wrapped around the utility pole and power lines. The operating limitations for the aircraft state the pilot in command of the aircraft must hold at least a student pilot certificate, a sport pilot certificate, or a recreational pilot certificate with the appropriate endorsements. The pilot in command did not hold a pilot certificate. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2526J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2526J), registered now, S/N 3611, built 1997 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BUCKEYE DREAM MACH - Registry model: [Buckeye DREAM MACHINE](https://openairdocs.org/model/buckeye-dream-machine) (registry code 05901BU) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 582SER](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-582ser) (registry code 55556, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Powered parachute - Serial number: 3611 - Engines: ROTAX 582 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Johnson Dale F - Registered owner: Johnson Dale F - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special) - Departed: Marian, IN - Destination: Marian, IN ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; injuries: serious; flight hours: 20 total, 20 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 60° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 29.82 inHg - Observed at: MIE, 24 nm away ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 21, 2009, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74105. 1.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 535 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40320217&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Grant County Sheriff's Office Report (item 2, .PDF, 352 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40316641&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Grant%20County%20Sheriff%27s%20Office%20Report-Master.PDF - Aircraft Records (item 3, .PDF, 638 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40316643&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Records-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.