Crash of powered parachute hurts pilot

by KY3 News

Crash of powered parachute hurts pilot
» 15 Comments

Story Published: Oct 6, 2008 at 12:08 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 6, 2008 at 1:01 PM CST

By Gene Hartley

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BRANSON, Mo. -- A man piloting a parachute plane suffered moderate injuries after drifting into some trees south of Branson High School on Monday morning. The Highway Patrol says the parachute failed as he attempted to take off near U.S. 65 at Missouri 248 shortly after 7 a.m.

Powered parachutes like this one can go up to 10,000 feet in the air.

Friday, Oct 10 at 6:14 PM Diane Barnes wrote ...

I am not sure who you are, Paul, but I know my husband. He researched several types of experimental aircraft before purchasing his powered parachute plane. He also researched several instructors in the area. He went to a recommended trainer, and had training. Training in these experimental planes is new and not formally organized. Hugh went to Bird Field in Willard twice a days for a long time. He held a student pilot certiciate, and was signed off to solo. there is more to come...

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 10:06 PM The 1st Paul wrote ...

Dallen and all, I did not mean any disrespect or to come across insensitive. The last we heard was that his injuries were very minor - we are very sorry to hear otherwise. I will pass on his condition to the others and he will be in our prayers. - Paul

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 8:28 PM Dallen wrote ...

You followed up claiming he refused to listen to any wisdom offered (at best, an extreme exaggeration...what's the motive here?) And your last comment, that "it is a shame as this was a nice machine", is not only insensitive, but, to me, offensive.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 8:22 PM Dallen wrote ...

It is unfortunate that the story itself has some inaccuracies reported, but for people to jump onboard and say negative things that are simply untrue is uncalled for and unacceptable. Talk about kicking a guy while he's down. He is one of the nicest, giving people I've ever met who is now in the hospital with a broken back. Paul, your statement in your first post saying he wasn't trained is flat out false.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 8:16 PM Dallen wrote ...

I, too am actually a neighbor and friend of the pilot and actually saw him go down and was the first on the scene. I purposely left out some of the emotion I felt in my first post to give the other posters (especially the 1st Paul) to state where they were getting their false information. I know for a fact that he was trained and that the conditions were not unfavorable, nor did he have a chance to abort long before getting anywhere near the trees as they are very close to where he took off.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:38 PM Paul (not the neighbor) wrote ...

From the chatter on the PPC groups it looks like he was getting some instruction and had a valid student endorsement to fly solo - all very good things! This should make things work out in his favor. For what it is worth everyone is truly concerned and are certainly glad that he was not seriously hurt. Most of the discussion is simply about what might happen next as we all understand that we could also end up on the news at some point in the future. We wish him the best. - Paul

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:15 PM bob wrote ...

I personally know he had training and have seen him fly. Accidents do happen, to all of us, even the best of pilots.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 3:52 PM George wrote ...

It should be easy enough to see if he did or did not have training, or a license. He should have a log book that would indicate same. No matter if he did or didn't, what can be learned by all from the unfortunate experience.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 3:45 PM FAA wrote ...

he is in trouble, no sport license to fly the 2 seater

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 2:47 PM PAUL Ras. wrote ...

I am a neighbor of the PPC pilot and I want to make sure that everyone knows that the comments below from the other Paul are not from me.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 1:57 PM Jeff wrote ...

If I could afford one (with training and everything), I would definitely go for it.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 12:48 PM Paul wrote ...

There are several PPC based web groups that are following and discussing this unfortunate event. Some of the people have talked with him since he bought it back in July and practically begged that he get some lessons. He previously tried to buy a Gyro but the seller refused to take his money because of Hugh's seeming aversion to formal training. A very good thing for him as Gyro's are the most unforgiving and deadly UL one can fly without training. I am glad he was not hurt to badly. - Paul

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9:50 AM Dallen wrote ...

What is everyone basing their comments on that he was not trained, that he should have aborted because of unfavorable conditions, and that he refused all lessons or to listen to any wisdom? Certainly, the story didn't indicate any of these things. Do all/any of you know the man or have additional information from another source?

Monday, Oct 6 at 11:30 PM David Rose wrote ...

hopefully this will get him to get trained cause it is a must to get training cause these aircraft are very enjoyable & thank god he was not killed very lucky person hope he recovers soon & gets trained & returns to the blue calm sky

Monday, Oct 6 at 10:06 PM John wrote ...

It also helps to have formal training (a Sport Pilot license is required for a 2 seater) before attempting to fly a Powered Parachute

Monday, Oct 6 at 5:50 PM Paul wrote ...

He just purchased this PPC and flatly refused all lessons or to listen to any wisdom offered. It is a shame as this was a nice machine. Not many aircraft that can be flown and crashed without killing someone. Hope he heals up OK. - Paul

Monday, Oct 6 at 1:40 PM David Rose wrote ...

i have flew a powered parachute for 11 yrs & they are very safe just have to watch the winds the wind can be your friend or your enemy i have over 250 hours air time in these aircraft with no problems this morning the wind was a little high for me to fly

Monday, Oct 6 at 1:32 PM Valerie Layne wrote ...

This pilot should have aborted long before he got anywhere near these trees! I have flown a PPC for five years and if you fly in unfavorable conditions you are asking for trouble. Safety should always be first and foremost especially since aviation is not forgiving.

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