Powrachute PEGASUS 912M N44118

Summary

On 28 July 2007 at about 11:13 local time, a Powrachute PEGASUS 912M registered N44118, operated by Robert Anthony Nolan, was involved in an accident near Suffolk, Virginia, 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

28 July 2007 at 11:13

Classification

Accident

Location

Suffolk, Virginia, United States

Nearest airport

Suffolk Executive Airport (SFQ)

Coordinates

36.6925, -76.6033

Aircraft

Powrachute PEGASUS 912M

Registration

N44118

Engines

1

Operator

Robert Anthony Nolan

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Suffolk → Tangier

Aircraft damage

Minor

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA07LA130

1 person was seriously injured.

The improper installation of the engine oil filter. A factor contributing to the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the powered parachute observed a noticeable drop in the engine's rpm during the climb, and elected to return to the departure airport. Seconds later, the engine seized. He located a road for the forced landing. During the approach, people appeared suddenly at the intended landing area, and they did not give way. The pilot elected to turn left and fly into a tree. The aircraft impacted the tree, and then descended vertically, landing hard. Postaccident examination of the seized engine revealed all oil had leaked out from an over torqued oil filter, which was changed about 9 flight hours before the accident. The Rotax's maintenance manual instructs mechanics to "screw the oil filter on by hand until it stops at the filter house, then tighten an extra 3/4 turn."

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.