# NTSB ERA12LA264: Powrachute Airwolf 912ULS, N415BA, Plant City, FL, April 1, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 1, 2012, 08:00 local (12:00 UTC) - Place: Plant City, FL - Coordinates: 28.135555, -82.141113 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.1356&lon=-82.1411&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report April 10, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 83272 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA12LA264 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/83272/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83272 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA264 ## Probable cause The flight instructor’s failure to ensure an obstruction-free takeoff path prior to initiating the takeoff and his inadequate preflight inspection of the powered parachute’s flight controls, which resulted in a collision with trees during the takeoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Action: incorrect action selection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Powrachute AIRWOLF 912ULS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md?model=0690004), [All aircraft, 397 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md) - [Inspection: preflight inspection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510): Personnel issues › Task performance · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Powrachute AIRWOLF 912ULS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md?model=0690004), [All aircraft, 551 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Aircraft inspection event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050); cases with it: [Powrachute AIRWOLF 912ULS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050/sequence.md?model=0690004), [All aircraft, 229 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Powrachute AIRWOLF 912ULS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=0690004), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Powrachute AIRWOLF 912ULS, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0690004), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The flight instructor was providing a demonstration/instructional flight to the passenger the day after the powered parachute had been setup as a static display at an air show. After performing a preflight inspection and arranging the parachute, the flight instructor briefed the passenger that they would approach the runway from the northwest, and then depart along the runway to the south. The flight instructor then started the engine, “kited” the parachute, and proceeded southeast toward the runway and the 75-foot-tall trees along its eastern edge. Upon reaching the western edge of the runway, the flight instructor increased the engine power, and the powered parachute lifted off from the ground; however, it was still oriented at an angle to the runway, and it continued on its southeasterly track toward the trees ahead. The flight instructor attempted to use the steering controls of the parachute to steer the vehicle to the right away from the trees but found them to be ineffective. He then attempted to pull on both of the steering lines to give the parachute additional lift, but the vehicle then impacted the tops of the trees and fell to the ground. A postaccident examination revealed a noticeable relative difference in the adjusted length of the left and right steering lines, which was also evident in an onboard video of the accident flight. According to published FAA guidance regarding takeoffs in powered parachutes, “The takeoff surface should be firm, free of debris, and not have any obstructions along the takeoff path.” ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On April 1, 2012, about 0800 eastern daylight time, an Powrachute LLC Airwolf 912ULS, N415BA, incurred minor damage when it struck trees and terrain during an attempted takeoff from Blackwater Creek Ultralight Flightpark (9FD2), Plant City, Florida. The certificated sport pilot/flight instructor incurred minor injuries and the passenger was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight, which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to the flight instructor, he was conducting an introductory powered parachute flight with the passenger. The powered parachute had been on static display at an air show the previous day, so the flight instructor had taken "extra care" in conducting his preflight inspection. During the inspection the flight instructor noted that the throttle was in the full open position, the keys were missing, and the battery was disconnected. After completing the preflight inspection and briefing the passenger, the flight instructor prepared to depart, and made one final check of the parachute lines and layout. The flight instructor had set up the powered parachute adjacent to a turf runway, with the powered parachute oriented toward the southeast, and eventually planned to depart to the south. After starting the engine, the flight instructor "kited" the parachute, checked to ensure that it had properly inflated, and checked for other traffic inbound to the turf runway. The flight instructor then increased engine power for takeoff, and began pushing on the foot bars in order to turn the powered parachute away from the oncoming trees that ran parallel to the runway. Once the powered parachute’s wheels left the ground, the flight instructor continued to push the foot bars to turn the vehicle away from the trees; however, since the steering lines were fully extended, the flight instructor was unable to change the shape of the parachute enough to turn to the right, away from the trees. The flight instructor then attempted to “pump” the steering lines in an attempt to fill the parachute with more air, and increase its climb performance. The vehicle then struck the tops of the trees, stopping its forward travel, and after remaining momentarily suspended in the trees, the vehicle fell and impacted the ground resulting in serious injury to the passenger. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The flight instructor held a sport pilot certificate with an endorsement for powered parachute land. He also held a flight instructor certificate with a sport rating and an endorsement for powered parachute land. He reported 314 total hours of flight experience, all of which were in the accident powered parachute make and model. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The weather conditions reported a Plant City Airport (PCM), Plant City, Florida, located about 8 nautical miles south of the accident site, at 0755, included 7 statutemiles visibility, scattered clouds at 1,700 feet, calm winds, a temperature and dewpoint of 17 degrees Celsius (C), and an altimeter setting of 29.96 inches of mercury. AIRPORT INFORMATION The Blackwater Creek Ultralight Flightpark was comprised of a single 2,300-foot-long by 150-foot-wide turf runway oriented in a 17/35 configuration. An area for aircraft parking was located on the west side of the runway and extended from about the runway mid-point about 300 feet to the north and south. Trees about 75 feet tall ran parallel to the runway along its eastern edge. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the scene following the accident, identified the area where the flight instructor had set up the powered parachute in preparation for the flight as about 300 feet west of the runway centerline, at roughly the runway midpoint. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage at the scene following the accident. According to the inspector, all of the parachute canopy and trim lines were secure with no anomalies noted. The engine appeared intact and exhibited no obvious signs of damage or pre-impact failure, and one of the three propeller blades was missing its tip. Several of the support tubes comprising the frame of the vehicle were broken consistent with impact. After viewing video of the accident flight, the inspector returned to examine the wreckage on April 4, 2012. Inspection of the trim and steering lines revealed that the left trim line exhibited noticeably more slack that the right side trim line. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Manufacturer’s Preflight Checklist The airframe manufacturer’s pilot operating handbook, Preflight Checklist (Detailed), provided a suggested preflight inspection routine that included the inspection of both the on-ground and in-flight directional steering systems. With regard to the in-flight steering system, the checklist specifically advised, “Check that the foot bar is secure, pivots freely, steering line in good order, [sic] pullies in good order and trim system secure, moves freely and in proper takeoff position.” FAA Guidance The FAA Powered Parachute Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9) described the procedures necessary for a successful takeoff, and described that “The takeoff surface should be firm, free of debris, and not have any obstructions along the takeoff path. The takeoff surface should have sufficient length to permit the powered parachute to quickly accelerate to normal flight speed.” Accident Video Videos depicting the accident flight were by the passenger’s spouse, who was standing at the mid-point of the runway at its eastern edge, and a video camera installed on the powered parachute. Review of the exterior video showed the powered parachute as it began rolling toward the runway and the parachute began to inflate. During this time, the engine sound remained relatively constant, as did the vehicle’s speed across the ground. Justbefore reaching the runway’s western edge the engine sound increased, consistent with an increase in engine power, and the powered parachute began accelerating. Just after crossing the runway’s western edge, the nosewheel of the powered parachute left the ground, followed by the main landing gear about 1 second later. As the powered parachute left the ground, it continued to track southeasterly, down the runway and towards its eastern edge. The camera then panned away from the vehicle as it disappeared behind the trees. The video taken onboard the powered parachute depicted a similar series of events, and confirmed the FAA inspector’s observation of the relative slack between the left and right steering lines. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N415BA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N415BA), registered now, S/N A134ULS, built 2010 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: POWRACHUTE LLC AIRWOLF 912ULS - Registry model: [Powrachute AIRWOLF 912ULS](https://openairdocs.org/model/powrachute-airwolf-912uls) (registry code 0690004) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 912ULS series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-912uls-series) (registry code 55572, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Powered parachute - Serial number: A134ULS - Airframe hours: 128 - Engines: ROTAX 912ULS 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Powrachute LLC - Registered owner: Powrachute LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, March 21, 2012 - Departed: 9FD2, Plant City, FL - Destination: 9FD2, Plant City, FL - Airport: 9FD2, Blackwater Creek Flightpark, runway 17, 2,300 × 150 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 42; injuries: minor; flight instructor, sport pilot; medical: sport pilot; last flight review January 11, 2012; seat: front; flight hours: 314 total, 314 in this make and model, 299 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: PCM, 8 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 20120401006979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120401006979A), Apr 1, 2012: Powrachute LLC AIRWOLF 912ULS, Plant City, FL, Substantial damage. On April 1, 2012, at 0730 EDT, a powered parachute model airwolf 912ULS, N415BA, serial no. A134ULS, registered to Powrachute LLC., and operated by sport pilot… ## Docket (12 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 14, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83272. 12.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40372161&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pilot's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 611 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40373782&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Passenger's Statement (item 3, .PDF, 388 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40386619&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Passenger%27s%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - FAA Inspector's Statement (item 4, .PDF, 237 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40373778&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Accident Site Diagram (item 5, .PDF, 133 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40373759&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Site%20Diagram-Master.PDF - Photo 1 - Looking Toward Accident Site from Takeoff Point (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 6, .PDF, 1.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40373764&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Looking%20Toward%20Accident%20Site%20from%20Takeoff%20Point%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 2 - View Looking Toward Departure End of Runway from Approximate Runway Mid-Point (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 7, .PDF, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40373771&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20View%20Looking%20Toward%20Departure%20End%20of%20Runway%20from%20Approximate%20Runway%20Mid-Point%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 3 - Accident Aircraft from Front Left (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 8, .PDF, 2.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40373775&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%20-%20Accident%20Aircraft%20from%20Front%20Left%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Checklist Excerpt (item 9, .PDF, 156 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40373763&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Checklist%20Excerpt-Master.PDF - Ground Video 17 - Specialist's Factual Report (item 10, .PDF, 129 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40377798&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Ground%20Video%2017%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report-Master.PDF - Ground Video 17 - Attachment 1 - Video File (Compressed (ZIP) File of Quicktime Video (MOV)) (item 11, ZIP, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40377799&FileExtension=zip&FileName=Ground%20Video%2017%20-%20Attachment%201%20-%20Video%20File%20(Compressed%20(ZIP)%20File%20of%20Quicktime%20Video%20(MOV))-Master - On Board Image Recorder - Specialist's Factual Report (item 12, .PDF, 177 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40387337&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=On%20Board%20Image%20Recorder%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report-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.