Powrachute SKY RASCAL accident near Peculiar, Missouri, October 6, 2024
On October 6, 2024 at about 11:15 pm local time, a 2003 Powrachute SKY RASCAL (powered parachute), registered N2565Q, suffered minor damage in an accident during initial climb near Peculiar, Missouri. It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The failure of the pilot to use appropriate engine power during descent in turbulent air which resulted in a loss of control.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- October 6, 2024 · about 11:15 pm local time
- Place
- Peculiar, Missouri · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Powrachute SKY RASCAL, built 2003
- Registration
- N2565Q · no longer on the register · serial 045
- Damage
- Minor damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
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.
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
- Turbulence encounter during initial climb
- Loss of control in flight during initial climb defining event
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Descent/approach/glide path › Incorrect use/operation
- Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena › Wind › Variable wind › Effect on operation
- Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge › Experience/qualifications › Qualification/certification › Pilot
- Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › (general) › Not attained/maintained
Pilot
- Flight time: 300 hours in all; 30 in the last 90 days; 10 in the last 30 days
- Medical certificate: None
- Seat: sngl
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Last inspection: inspection type not recorded
- Seats: 1
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rotax 503 (piston); 420 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: Peculiar MO
- Destination: Peculiar MO
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 020° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 64°F (18°C), dew point 34°F (1°C)
- Altimeter: 30.20 inHg
- Observation at 8:15 pm from KLRY, 7 miles away
Weather report (METAR): METAR KLRY 070115Z AUTO 02004KT 10SM CLR 18/01 A3020 RMK AO2=
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Photographs from the investigation 2 pictures from the NTSB's docket, as the NTSB released them
The NTSB's photographs with the NTSB's captions, at screen size. Open a picture to see it full size or to report one that should not be shown.
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
2 documents, released by the NTSB on February 21, 2025. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 10 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Photos | PDF, 3 pages · our copy | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
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.