# NTSB CHI08CA059: Infinity Commander, N719AR, Hot Springs Vlg, AR, December 24, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: December 24, 2007, 15:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Hot Springs Vlg, AR
- Coordinates: 34.485553, -93.104721
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4856&lon=-93.1047&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2008
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 67359
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI08CA059
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/67359/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA059

## Probable cause

The pilot not maintaining clearance/altitude from the trees during takeoff initial climb.  Factors were the trees and reported turbulent winds.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The pilot reported that during a local personal flight he was climbing after a touch and go.  He stated that he "started feeling the [powered parachute] start rocking and rolling.  ...  We were climbing well enough to clear any trees.  As we approached the north end of the pasture I lost altitude and began to swing, as if there were turbulence in that area of the pasture.  I realized that I may not clear the trees so I began to cut a sharp right turn to avoid the trees and the propeller caught a branch and shattered and we went down next to a creek bed."  The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the powered parachute reference the accident flight.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during a local personal flight he was climbing after a touch and go.  He stated that he "started feeling the [powered parachute] start rocking and rolling.  ...  We were climbing well enough to clear any trees.  As we approached the north end of the pasture I lost altitude and began to swing, as if there were turbulence in that area of the pasture.  I realized that I may not clear the trees so I began to cut a sharp right turn to avoid the trees and the propeller caught a branch and shattered and we went down next to a creek bed."  The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the powered parachute reference the accident flight.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N719AR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N719AR-2013-08-27), registration cancelled 2013-08-27, S/N IPP6-348 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Infinity Commander
- Registry model: [Infinity COMMANDER](https://openairdocs.org/model/infinity-commander) (registry code 059016Z) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Rotax 582UL](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-582ul) (registry code 55558, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Ultralight
- Serial number: IPP6-348
- Engines: Rotax 582 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Pilot
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Condition, May 1, 2007
- Departed: Hot Springs Vlg, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; injuries: serious; sport pilot; medical: sport pilot; seat: front; flight hours: 80 total, 70 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Observed at: HOT

## 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 20071224829299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20071224829299A), Dec 24, 2007: Infini COMMANDER, Hot Springs, AR, Destroyed. (-23) On December 24, 2007, at 1530 CST, an infinity Commander powered parachute, N719AR, collided with trees on climb-out at the Hot Springs airport, Hot…

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.

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