1 Killed In Emery County Powered-Parachute Crash
Oct 7, 2019, 3:25 PM | Updated: Jul 14, 2023, 2:25 pm
(Emery County Sheriff's Office)
EMERY COUNTY, Utah — An Idaho man was killed after his powered parachute crashed in the San Rafael Swell in Emery County Saturday afternoon, according to police.
Officials said 68-year-old Rodney Pridmore and four other men had flown from the Huntington Airport to the Sid and Charley pinnacles in the swell.
Police said Pridmore was one of the first in the air as the group left the area. After taking off, Pridmore radioed back to the group that he was having trouble with the aircraft, and they advised him to try and land.
Officials with Emery County Sheriff’s Office said the landing was unsuccessful and Pridmore crashed in a shallow wash in the San Rafael Swell.
An emergency room physician, who was part of the group, said Pridmore died on impact, according to police.
Police contacted the Federal Aviation Administration and said the FAA will be investigating the crash.
Initial reports suggested a problem with the powered parachute’s rope and pulley steering system, according to officials.