Ultralight
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 40; Flight Crew Type 40
Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT; Inflight Event / Encounter Object
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
While flying my powered paraglider (FAR Part 103) I heard the engine sputter. I had a parking lot below me and initially turned to land there. As I assessed the situation unfolding; I determined there was limited space to land and since the engine was still working; I aborted the landing but was faced with trees to maneuver around. The right side of my powered paraglider wing just slightly clipped a tree branch - no damage occurred. I continued the climb and landed at an alternate site.I suspect the fuel I was using was several months old and may have been the reason for the engine sputter. I drained it and replaced it with fresh fuel. A subsequent flight for an hour didn't appear to have any issues.
Paraglider pilot reported engine performance issues prompted an unplanned landing that was aborted for another site; however; contact was made with a tree branch.