Introduction
On March 12, 2020, at approximately 15:15 local time, a paraglider accident occurred on the slopes of Planina Babe, near the village of Plana in the municipality of Paraćin, Serbia. The paraglider involved was an ICARO Maverick 2M.
Flight History
Around noon, the pilot, accompanied by three other paraglider pilots, arrived at the intended takeoff site. After assessing the meteorological conditions, the group decided to wait for more favorable conditions. At about 14:00, the most experienced pilot took off to evaluate conditions but found them poor and landed. He informed the others that conditions were still unfavorable, so they decided to wait a few more hours.
At approximately 15:00, the accident pilot decided to attempt a flight. After several unsuccessful attempts, he succeeded in taking off. He flew for a few minutes. In the final phase before the accident, the paraglider moved leftward from the takeoff direction and location. At one point, the wing entered a negative turn and began descending toward the slope. Several seconds after the negative turn, the pilot struck rocky terrain approximately 250-300 meters to the left of the takeoff direction and about 50 meters below the takeoff point. The pilot hit the ground with significant lateral velocity, headfirst, resulting in fatal injuries.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident. The paraglider wing and associated equipment sustained minor damage to the fabric and lines. No third-party damage occurred.
Pilot Information
The pilot was 41 years old, male. Investigation revealed that he did not hold a paraglider pilot license or any other aircraft operation license. He had been flying a paraglider for a few months, but it is unknown how or where he acquired his knowledge.
Aircraft Information
The paraglider was an ICARO Maverick 2M, serial number 45MAV2C7M, year of manufacture not specified. It belonged to class C, with a flight load of 85-110 kg and a wing area of 22.42 m². It had certifications LTF NIL II 91/09 and EN 926-2:2005. Based on performance, it is classified as a paraglider for advanced pilots (NC) suitable for slope soaring and thermaling. The aircraft was found to be in airworthy condition.
Meteorological Conditions
On March 12, 2020, the region was under the influence of a high-pressure field with weak gradients near the surface, and a thermobaric ridge aloft. Analysis showed a stable atmosphere with dry air (relative humidity below 50%) and conditions typical for fair-weather cumulus. At the nearest synoptic station (Ćuprija) at 15:00, visibility exceeded 10 km, wind from 140° at 5 m/s, clear skies, temperature 23°C, humidity 46%. At altitudes up to 600 m, wind was from the south at 5-7 m/s (sounding at 13:00) and forecasted at 15:00 as 8 m/s from 180°. Wind shear in the lower layer indicated turbulence possibly combined with thermal turbulence due to terrain. The meteorological conditions were unfavorable for the intended flight and had an influence on factors leading to the accident.
Medical and Pathological Findings
The pilot survived a short time after impact before succumbing to injuries. Another pilot attempted stabilization. Forensic autopsy determined the cause of death as violent, due to damage to vital brain centers resulting from blunt force trauma (impact against rocky ground). Injuries included fractures of the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra, anterior arch of the first cervical vertebra, left femur, and others. An impact to the left side of the head against a rock outcrop was indicated, with blood traces and a fractured helmet. Blood analysis found no alcohol or other prohibited substances.
Other Information
The accident site was on a southern slope with low vegetation and rocky terrain. The paraglider wing was found spread over low trees with tangled lines. The pilot's body was removed before the investigation team arrived, but the site was preserved. Search and rescue required involvement of the Serbian Mountain Rescue Service. No communication with air traffic control was relevant. No flight recorders were applicable. No fire occurred.