# NTSB MIA08CA191: Airframes Unlimited USA-1B, N723JH, Surry, VA, September 7, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: September 7, 2008, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Surry, VA - Coordinates: 37.044166, -76.780555 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0442&lon=-76.7806&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: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 22, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Richmond FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 68909 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA08CA191 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68909/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08CA191 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper handling of the powered parachute during takeoff/initial climb. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Action: forgotten action/omission](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Airframes Unlimited USA-1B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md?model=05902J8), [All aircraft, 440 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063000): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Airframes Unlimited USA-1B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063000/cases.md?model=05902J8), [All aircraft, 111 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330); cases with it: [Airframes Unlimited USA-1B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=05902J8), [All aircraft, 994 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Airframes Unlimited USA-1B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05902J8), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Airframes Unlimited USA-1B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05902J8), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot of the powered parachute stated that he started his takeoff roll on runway 27. The parachute canopy partially inflated with a right side end cell closure. The pilot stated, "he did not observe the tangled steering lines on the takeoff roll and failed to ensure that the parachute canopy was controllable". The powered parachute made a hard right turn at liftoff, reached an altitude of about five feet, and the parachute canopy collapsed. The powered parachute impacted the runway hard and rolled over inverted. The airframe received structural damage. The pilot conducted an engine shutdown and exited the powered parachute. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems with the powered parachute. ## Factual narrative The pilot stated he started his take off roll on runway 27. The parachute canopy partially inflated with a right side end cell closure. The pilot stated, "he did not observe the tangled steering lines on the take off roll and failed to ensure that the parachute canopy was controllable". The powered parachute made a hard right turn at lift off, reached an altitude of about five feet, and the parachute canopy collapsed. The powered parachute impacted the runway hard and rolled over inverted. The airframe received structural damage. The pilot conducted an engine shut down and exited the powered parachute. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems with the powered parachute. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N723JH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N723JH-2011-05-24), registration cancelled 2011-05-24, S/N 2007-0098, built 2007 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Airframes Unlimited USA-1B - Registry model: [Airframes Unlimited USA-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/airframes-unlimited-usa-1b) (registry code 05902J8) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 503DCSI](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-503dcsi) (registry code 55567, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Powered parachute - Serial number: 2007-0098 - Airframe hours: 16 - Engines: Rotax 503 48 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Kenneth E. Mahoney - Registered owner: Joel C. Harris - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special light-sport (Special) - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, November 1, 2007, 16 hours before - Departed: VA33, Surry, VA - Destination: VA33, Surry, VA - Airport: VA33, Beaver Dam Airport, runway 27, 1,800 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 52; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; last flight review February 1, 2008; seat: center; flight hours: 124 total, 10 in this make and model, 65 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 80° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: PHF, 14 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 20080907853229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080907853229A), Sep 7, 2008: Airfrm USA1B, Surry, VA, Substantial damage. N723JH, airframe unlimited USA-1B, powered parachute, operated by [privacy data omitted], substantially destroyed a/c upon takeoff there was improper inflation… 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.