Destiny XLT accident near Oneonta, Alabama, September 24, 2022
On September 24, 2022 at about 1:20 pm local time, a 2006 Destiny XLT (powered parachute), registered N5065Q, was substantially damaged in an accident during takeoff near Oneonta, Alabama (Robbins Fld airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured and 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The uncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the powered parachute during takeoff.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 24, 2022 · about 1:20 pm local time
- Place
- Oneonta, Alabama · Robbins Fld · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured and 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Destiny XLT, built 2006 · all XLTs on the register
- Registration
- N5065Q · registry record · serial 3C0526
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The noncertificated pilot reported that both a gust of wind and improper application of rudder during takeoff in his powered parachute resulted in him impacting trees to the left of the departure runway. This impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe tubing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the powered parachute that would have precluded normal operation.
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
- Loss of control in flight during takeoff defining event
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during takeoff
The NTSB's findings
- Personnel issues › Task performance › Use of equip/info › Aircraft control › Pilot
- Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Directional control › Not attained/maintained
Pilot
- Last flight review: July 6, 2022
- Medical certificate: Sport Pilot
- Seat: frt
- Injury: serious injuries
Passenger
- Seat: rear
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 285 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, December 15, 2021
- Maximum gross weight: 800 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rotax 582SER (piston); 282 hours total
The flight
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 6, 4,203 ft by 80 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 57°F (14°C), dew point 55°F (13°C)
- Altimeter: 30.15 inHg
- Observation at 7:56 am from GAD, 15 miles away
Weather report (METAR): KGAD 241256Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 14/13 A3015 RMK AO2 SLP212 T01440128 PNO $
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
4 documents, released by the NTSB on November 21, 2022. 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, 9 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Memorandum for Record A�� Telephone Interview, Passenger | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 3 | Memorandum for Record A�� FAA Inspector Statement | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 4 | Photographs | PDF, 3 pages | 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.