CEN12LA404

The unregistered two-person powered parachute veered to the left during takeoff and contacted trees. The non-certificated pilot reported that the aircraft was not producing enough lift due to the hot, humid weather. The density altitude would have been about 1,300 feet higher than the field elevation. It is likely that the pilot did not take the density altitude into account when preparing for the takeoff.

On June 24, 2012, at 0830 eastern daylight time, an unregistered Destiny 2000 powered parachute, collided with trees during takeoff from private property in Shelbyville, Indiana. The pilot was seriously injured. The aircraft which was owned and operated by the non-certificated pilot was substantially damaged. The personal flight was not being conducted in accordance with any of the federal regulations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot was not available for a telephone interview due to his medical condition. A friend of the pilot reported that the pilot stated that the powered parachute encountered a gust of wind during the takeoff. This resulted in the aircraft banking to the left and contacting trees. The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that the day of the accident was hot and humid. He stated the aircraft was not producing enough lift because of the weather conditions. The aircraft veered to the left where it contacted a 40-foot tall tree, followed by another tree prior to impacting the terrain. The pilot stated that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the aircraft. The weather conditions recorded at the Shelbyville Municipal Airport (KGEZ), located 7 miles northeast of the accident site were: calm wind, temperature 24 degrees Celsius, and dewpoint 14 degrees Celsius. The field elevation at the takeoff location is unknown; however, given the local weather conditions, the density altitude would have been approximately 1,300 feet higher than the field elevation. The pilot had been flying single-place powered parachutes for about 13 years. He purchased the Destiny 2000, a 2-place powered parachute, about a year prior to the accident. The pilot reported that he was not aware that the aircraft needed to be registered and that he needed a pilot certificate to fly it.