WPR09LA442

The non-certificated pilot and passenger were conducting a local low altitude flight in an unregistered experimental powered parachute over a crowd of spectators at an event. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he passed over a series of power lines and he “lost lift” and “could not recover.” Subsequently, the aircraft impacted terrain within the crowd of spectators and rolled over. No mechanical anomalies were reported with the powered parachute at the time of the accident. A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) was not received from the pilot.

On September 7, 2009, about 1510 mountain daylight time, a Six Chuter SR7 unregistered experimental powered parachute aircraft was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near Hooper, Utah. The aircraft was owned and operated by the non certificated pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot and his passenger sustained minor injuries. Two people located on the ground sustained serious injuries and four people located on the ground sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The local flight originated from a field adjacent to the accident site about 10 minutes prior to the accident. In written statements by the pilot and passenger, provided by local law enforcement officials, the pilot reported that they were conducting a flight over the Hooper Tomato Days annual event to throw candy to a crowd of spectators. The pilot stated that while flying on a westerly heading, he passed over a series of power lines and the passenger “started dumping candy.” The pilot further stated that he “lost lift” and “could not recover.” Subsequently, the aircraft impacted terrain within the crowd of spectators and rolled over. A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) was not received from the pilot. Examination of the powered parachute by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the powered parachute frame sustained structural damage. Video footage of the accident sequence was obtained by local law enforcement officials. Review of a video by the Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC) revealed that the powered parachute overflew a set of power lines and began descending toward the field. As the powered parachute approached the field with spectators, a slight pitch up movement was observed. Subsequently, the powered parachute pitched downward followed by an increase in engine noise prior to impacting the ground.