Skytrails Lsa Predator accident near Coldspring, Texas, July 4, 2011
On July 4, 2011 at about 12:25 pm local time, a Skytrails Lsa Predator (powered parachute), registered N5358Z, was substantially damaged in an accident during takeoff near Coldspring, Texas. It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 2 people had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's inadequate consideration of obstructions on his flight path and inability to maintain altitude following an unexplained loss of lift.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- July 4, 2011 · about 12:25 pm local time
- Place
- Coldspring, Texas · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 2 people had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Skytrails Lsa Predator · all Predators on the register
- Registration
- N5358Z · registry record · serial P582E40201
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
During initial climb the powered-parachute experienced an unexplained loss of altitude as it passed over a tree line that bordered the hayfield used for the takeoff. The airframe was substantially damaged as it impacted trees and the roof of an occupied residence and fell to the ground. No one on the ground was injured. According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the powered parachute and the engine produced full power throughout the event.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Unknown or undetermined during takeoff defining event
- Other weather encounter during initial climb
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during initial climb
- Roll over during post (impact)
The NTSB's findings
- cause Personnel issues › Action/decision › Info processing/decision › Decision making/judgment › Pilot
- cause Environmental issues › Physical environment › Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa › (general) › Awareness of condition
- Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Altitude › Attain/maintain not possible
Pilot
- Certificate: sport pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 34 hours in all; 34 in this make and model; 3 in the last 90 days; 2 in the last 30 days; 34 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: October 7, 2010
- Medical certificate: None
- Seat: frt
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 38 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, April 28, 2011; 38 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,150 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rotax 582 (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: Coldspring TX at 12:25 pm
- Destination: Coldspring TX
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 19, 1,000 ft by 100 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 220° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 79°F (26°C), dew point 0°F (-18°C)
- Altimeter: 29.96 inHg
- Observation at 12:00 pm, 1 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.