# NTSB CEN11CA445: Skytrails Lsa Predator, N5358Z, Coldspring, TX, July 4, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 4, 2011, 07:25 local (12:25 UTC) - Place: Coldspring, TX - Coordinates: 30.576389, -95.11972 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5764&lon=-95.1197&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report October 17, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA Houston FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 80976 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN11CA445 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/80976/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=80976 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA445 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate consideration of obstructions on his flight path and inability to maintain altitude following an unexplained loss of lift. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Skytrails Lsa PREDATOR, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=060007B), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023000): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Awareness of condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Skytrails Lsa PREDATOR, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023000/cases.md?model=060007B), [All aircraft, 253 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023000/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible; cases with it: [Skytrails Lsa PREDATOR, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=060007B), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) (defining event); cases with it: [Skytrails Lsa PREDATOR, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md?model=060007B), [All aircraft, 1,703 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Skytrails Lsa PREDATOR, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=060007B), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Skytrails Lsa PREDATOR, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=060007B), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Post-impact: Roll over](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/097); cases with it: [Skytrails Lsa PREDATOR, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/097/sequence.md?model=060007B), [All aircraft, 261 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/097/sequence.md) ## Analysis During initial climb the powered-parachute experienced an unexplained loss of altitude as it passed over a tree line that bordered the hayfield used for the takeoff. The airframe was substantially damaged as it impacted trees and the roof of an occupied residence and fell to the ground. No one on the ground was injured. According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the powered parachute and the engine produced full power throughout the event. ## Factual narrative During initial climb the powered-parachute experienced an unexplained loss of altitude as it passed over a tree line that bordered the hayfield used for the takeoff. The airframe was substantially damaged as it impacted trees and the roof of an occupied residence and fell to the ground. No one on the ground was injured. According to the sport pilot there were no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the powered parachute and the engine produced full power throughout the entire event ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5358Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5358Z), registered now, S/N P582E40201, built 2010 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SKYTRAILS LSA Predator - Registry model: [Skytrails Lsa PREDATOR](https://openairdocs.org/model/skytrails-lsa-predator) (registry code 060007B) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 582SER](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-582ser) (registry code 55556, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Powered parachute - Serial number: P582E40201 - Airframe hours: 38 - Engines: Rotax 582 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, April 28, 2011, 38 hours before - Departed: Coldspring, TX - Destination: Coldspring, TX - Airport: runway 19, 1,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: minor; sport pilot; airplane ratings: single-engine land; last flight review October 7, 2010; seat: front; flight hours: 34 total, 34 in this make and model, 34 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 220° at 2 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F - Altimeter: 29.96 inHg - Observed at: 1 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20110704013589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110704013589A), Jul 4, 2011: Skytrails Lsa PREDATOR, Coldspring, TX, Substantial damage. N5358Z being piloted by [privacy data omitted], sustained substantial damage after crashing into a house on July 4, 2011 in Coldspring, Texas. Shortly after… ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 9, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=80976. 599 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 440 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352067&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Weather Summary (item 2, .PDF, 42 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40350808&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Summary-Master.PDF - Map from Pilot - Showing the actual Flight Path (item 3, .PDF, 117 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352069&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Map%20from%20Pilot%20-%20Showing%20the%20actual%20Flight%20Path-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.