Snarled. The “chute” and carriage dangle from power line. Image: Barron County Sheriff
A standard FAA investigation scheduled
CHETEK, Wis. – A man piloting a paraplane was injured when the fragile craft hit a power line in Chetek. The man was airlifted to a hospital 40 miles south in Eau Claire. A passenger was checked out by an ambulance crew and cleared as unhurt. The crash was about 8 p.m. at Lakeview Drive and City Park Drive.
Paraplane profile
A power parachute is an ultralight aircraft that’s a mere metal frame. An inflatable wing provides lift. The pilot and sometimes a passenger hang in the metal frame. The craft usually fly a few feet above the ground at a relatively low speed, about 25 mph. There is small lightweight engine.