Powrachute SKY RASCAL N2565Q

Summary

On 6 October 2024 at about 23:15 local time, a Powrachute SKY RASCAL registered N2565Q was involved in an accident near Peculiar, Missouri, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was slightly damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 October 2024 at 23:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Peculiar, Missouri, United States

Coordinates

38.6755, -94.4790

Aircraft

Powrachute SKY RASCAL

Registration

N2565Q

Year built

2003

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Peculiar → Peculiar

Aircraft damage

Minor

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN25LA011

1 person was seriously injured.

The failure of the pilot to use appropriate engine power during descent in turbulent air which resulted in a loss of control.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The non-certificated pilot reported that during initial climb the powered parachute (PPC) was difficult to control due to the wind conditions. The pilot reported that he reduced engine power at about 50 feet above ground level (agl) and the PPC “fell instead of floating” to the ground. The aircraft rolled over during touchdown causing the pilot to put his hand out to stop the roll which resulted in a broken arm. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the PPC that would have precluded normal operation.  The FAA Powered Parachute Flying Handbook stated that a quick reduction in throttle during a high pitch angle climb could contribute to a stall. This action quickly turns a high pitch climb into a high angle of attack. Additionally, the handbook recommends maintaining power throughout an approach when flying in more turbulent air to reduce the descent rate in case of down gusts and the possibility of an excessive descent rate.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.