WPR18LA071

Two noncertificated pilots were conducting personal, local flights in their powered parachutes, one of which was a Six Chuter Spirit and the other of which was a Destiny XLT. The Six Chuter departed, followed by the Destiny. The Six Chuter pilot reported that, while cruising about 100 ft above ground level, he saw the Destiny on a northerly heading. At this time, he decided to maintain his altitude and heading and follow the Destiny because he was less experienced than the other pilot. However, he then saw the Destiny turn to a westerly heading, which put the Destiny on a direct path toward the Six Chuter. Seconds later, the Destiny impacted the Six Chuter, which then spun 180° and drifted backward while descending until ground impact. The Destiny entered a nose-down attitude and then rapidly descended without its parachute until ground impact. The Destiny pilot reported that he was unable to recall the accident details. A ground witness stated that both aircraft were in straight-and level-flight and that the engines sounded normal before impact. Although the sun was setting at the time of the accident, the investigation could not determine if it obstructed the Destiny pilot's vision or whether it was a factor in the accident. Both pilots reported that they their aircraft did not experience any mechanical anomalies during their flights. Based on the available information, it is likely that both pilots failed to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision.

On January 18, 2018, about 1730 mountain standard time, an unregistered Six Chuter Spirit experimental, light sport powered parachute and an unregistered Destiny XLT experimental, light sport powered parachute were both substantially damaged when they were involved in an accident near Marana, Arizona. The Destiny pilot sustained serious injuries, and the Six Chuter pilot was not injured. Both aircraft were being operated as Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flights. The pilot in the Six Chuter reported that, after being flown as a passenger for a few hours in a powered parachute, he was invited to fly the Six Chuter, which departed first, followed by the Destiny. The Six Chuter pilot added that, while cruising about 100 ft above ground level, he saw the Destiny on a northerly heading. At this time, he decided to maintain his altitude and heading and follow the Destiny because he was less experienced than the other pilot. However, he then saw the Destiny turn to a westerly heading, which put the Destiny on a direct path toward the Six Chuter. Seconds later, the Destiny impacted the Six Chuter, which then spun 180° and drifted backward while descending until ground impact. The Destiny entered a nose-down attitude and rapidly descended to the ground without its parachute. The Destiny pilot reported that he was unable to recall the accident details. A ground witness, who was about 1/2 mile from the accident site, stated that both aircraft were in straight-and level-flight and that the engines sounded normal before impact. The Six Chuter pilot reported that he had received a few hours of flight training in powered parachutes before the accident but that he had not received any formal training toward a private pilot certificate. The witness reported that the pilot of the Destiny had been flying powered parachutes for about 20 years. He did not hold a pilot certificate. According to the United States Naval Observatory Astronomic Applications Department, sunset was at 1744 on the day of the accident.