Oct 21, 2023

2 Kansas men hospitalized after power parachute crash

Posted Oct 21, 2023 7:07 PM
Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff
Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff

by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY - Two people were injured in an accident Just before 8:30.m. on Saturday near the intersection of Pfeil Creek Circle and Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Riley County.

Riley County Police Department and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks were dispatched to the scene, along with Riley County EMS, Riley County Fire District #1 and Manhattan Fire Department.

Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff
Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff

According to the KHP crash log, 70-year-old, Edward Gifford of Manhattan was flying his 2006 Pegasus Powerchute when the engine failed, causing the aircraft to crash.

Gifford and his passenger, 88-year-old, Richard Miller of Wichita were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the crash.  Riley County EMS transported the two men to Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan for treatment of suspected serious injuries.

No structures or other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Damaged Pegasus Powerchute, picture by Becky Goff
Damaged Pegasus Powerchute, picture by Becky Goff

Manhattan Wrecker removed the aircraft from the scene.

Due to state statute, the Kansas Highway Patrol investigates all aviation crashes. The full KHP Crash Log can be found here.