Powerchute AIRWOLF 912ULS N480QP

Summary

On 14 December 2012 at about 17:30 local time, a Powerchute AIRWOLF 912ULS registered N480QP, operated by Greg K Nickerson, was involved in an accident near Dell, Montana, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 December 2012 at 17:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Dell, Montana, United States

Coordinates

44.7022, -113.0508

Aircraft

Powerchute AIRWOLF 912ULS

Registration

N480QP

Engines

1

Operator

Greg K Nickerson

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Dell → Dell

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR13LA069

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and clearance from mountainous terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude in downdraft conditions.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was on a personal local sightseeing flight attempting to traverse a mountain range when he observed fog formation in the valley below, which prompted him to reverse course. After reversing course, the pilot observed clouds, which prompted him to reverse course again and to descend. The pilot added full throttle to avoid mountainous terrain, but the powered parachute would not climb. The pilot stated that it was similar to being hit by a downdraft. The nosewheel of the aircraft subsequently clipped a bush, which resulted in the aircraft impacting terrain. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.