On January 17, 2010, about 1745 central standard time, a Buckeye model DM582 powered parachute, N582DW, collided with another Buckeye model DM582 powered parachute, N846DW, near Sublette, Kansas. Both personal flights were being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 and no flight plan had been filed. The parachute canopy on N582DW was substantially damaged in the collision with N846DW and N582DW impacted terrain. The pilot and passenger were both fatally injured. N846DW was not damaged and the two occupants were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Both flights had originated from a nearby off-airport location at approximately 1730.
The surviving pilot and other witnesses stated that N846DW was in straight and level flight approximately 200 to 300 feet above ground level. N582DW was slightly above and in front of N846DW when N582DW made a turn to the right and began a slight dive toward N846DW. The right side of the canopy of N582DW collided with the right side of the lower portion of N846DW and a witness said N582DW fell almost straight down.
At 1754, the automated weather observing system at Garden City, Kansas (GCK), 19 miles northeast of the accident site, reported winds from 040 degrees at 8 knots, visibility of 10 miles, clear of clouds, temperature 50 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 21 degrees Fahrenheit, with an altimeter setting of 29.85 inches of Mercury.
Both powered parachutes were recovered by the Haskell County Sheriff and were later released to the owners’ representative.