Narrative:

I was performing a maintenance check flight at sfq. I taxied to runway 7; performed the run up to ensure acceptable magneto drop and was monitoring CTAF; when I heard one aircraft call turning base. I saw him and determined I had adequate time to takeoff without conflict. I taxied onto the runway and advised area traffic I was taking off runway 7 and remaining in the pattern. I saw no other traffic.after I rotated I was accelerating to 80 mph climbing and I noticed a skydiver with chute deployed to my left who was no factor. As I turned back forward at approximately 20 ft AGL; I observed another skydiver with chute deployed turning directly over the runway about 200 ft ahead of me and descending approximately 100 ft above me heading directly toward me. I immediately descended rapidly and as I pulled up; my left main wheel contacted the runway at approximately 90 mph. The aircraft veered to the left and I applied full power and was able to correct the aircraft direction and establish a climb. I then performed a routine pattern and uneventful landing. I had my mechanic inspect the left main gear and tire/wheel and there was no damage from the event.recently at sfq; the drop zone for skydivers was moved to an area within a few feet of runway 7-25. I have been based here for more than 12 years; so I am very experienced with the hazards faced with skydivers. I have noted since the drop zone move; skydivers are more often into the traffic pattern and will sometimes cross the active runway at low altitudes. It is extremely difficult to observe them from the ground when operating a high wing aircraft. If you are in position prior to entering runway 7 they will be above and behind you.I have reviewed what occurred and believe the only option I might have exercised to avoid this situation was to perform a ground '360' prior to entering the runway in a better attempt to view any airborne skydivers. I do have to question the actions of the skydiver as the parachutes they utilize are highly maneuverable and he also should have been able to see and hear me clearly. I do not understand why he chose to maneuver the chute to travel directly down the runway at low altitude.I question having a drop zone so close to an active runway at a fairly busy airport with traffic that includes up to gulfstream 4 type aircraft. A possible help at this airport might be having a ground observer broadcast on CTAF when all skydivers have landed. Clearly; this does not reduce the responsibility to see and avoid at an uncontrolled airport; but it would bring an additional margin of safety to an airport that is busy with both aircraft and skydiver traffic.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: The pilot of a single engine Cessna experienced a near collision with a skydiver shortly after breaking ground at SFQ. The airplane's left main gear struck the ground during the ensuing evasive maneuver. The reporter believes the newly relocated drop zone very close to the runway was inappropriate and a contributing factor to the incident.

Narrative: I was performing a maintenance check flight at SFQ. I taxied to Runway 7; performed the run up to ensure acceptable magneto drop and was monitoring CTAF; when I heard one aircraft call turning base. I saw him and determined I had adequate time to takeoff without conflict. I taxied onto the runway and advised area traffic I was taking off Runway 7 and remaining in the pattern. I saw no other traffic.After I rotated I was accelerating to 80 MPH climbing and I noticed a skydiver with chute deployed to my left who was no factor. As I turned back forward at approximately 20 FT AGL; I observed another skydiver with chute deployed turning directly over the runway about 200 FT ahead of me and descending approximately 100 FT above me heading directly toward me. I immediately descended rapidly and as I pulled up; my left main wheel contacted the runway at approximately 90 MPH. The aircraft veered to the left and I applied full power and was able to correct the aircraft direction and establish a climb. I then performed a routine pattern and uneventful landing. I had my Mechanic inspect the left main gear and tire/wheel and there was no damage from the event.Recently at SFQ; the drop zone for skydivers was moved to an area within a few feet of Runway 7-25. I have been based here for more than 12 years; so I am very experienced with the hazards faced with skydivers. I have noted since the drop zone move; skydivers are more often into the traffic pattern and will sometimes cross the active runway at low altitudes. It is extremely difficult to observe them from the ground when operating a high wing aircraft. If you are in position prior to entering Runway 7 they will be above and behind you.I have reviewed what occurred and believe the only option I might have exercised to avoid this situation was to perform a ground '360' prior to entering the runway in a better attempt to view any airborne skydivers. I do have to question the actions of the skydiver as the parachutes they utilize are highly maneuverable and he also should have been able to see and hear me clearly. I do not understand why he chose to maneuver the chute to travel directly down the runway at low altitude.I question having a drop zone so close to an active runway at a fairly busy airport with traffic that includes up to Gulfstream 4 type aircraft. A possible help at this airport might be having a ground observer broadcast on CTAF when all skydivers have landed. Clearly; this does not reduce the responsibility to see and avoid at an uncontrolled airport; but it would bring an additional margin of safety to an airport that is busy with both aircraft and skydiver traffic.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.