Search And Rescue Efforts Were Initiated That Located The Deceased Pilot In A Lake In About 44 Ft Of Water

Location: Hovland, Minnesota Accident Number: CEN23LA376
Date & Time: August 18, 2023, 18:45 Local Registration: N538DR
Aircraft: Sixchuter Spirit XL Aircraft Damage: Unknown
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The non-certificated pilot departed in the powered parachute on a local flight. When the pilot did not return for landing, search and rescue efforts were initiated that located the deceased pilot in a lake in about 44 ft of water. The aircraft was not located. Flight track information for the flight was not available. The pilot never held a medical certificate, and no pilot or maintenance logbooks were made available to the investigation.

An autopsy of the pilot was performed, and the cause of death was hypothermia and drowning. Toxicology testing was negative for screened drugs and alcohol.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The collision with the lake by a noncertificated pilot for reasons that could not be determined.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov