Parachuter left hanging in tree 70 feet over Maine

[January 03, 2012]  LITCHFIELD, Maine (AP) -- A man flying a powered parachute over Maine was left hanging on a tree limb more than 70 feet high after a gust of wind blew him out of control.

Police say 66-year-old John Beganny was flying a parachute powered by a large fan mounted to wheels and a seat in Litchfield. The Kennebec Journal reports (http://bit.ly/uxIJj5) that Beganny hit the oak tree about three miles from his Litchfield home Sunday and was knocked out of the parachute's seat. Authorities say he fell a few feet and grabbed a limb to cling to until rescuers arrived.

He has suffered cuts to his head and face.

___

Information from: Kennebec Journal, http://www.kjonline.com/

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.