What happened
On January 18, 2013, a motorized paraglider accident occurred while flying over the Liwa–Al Mirbab region of the United Arab Emirates. The flight resulted in the death of the 34-year-old pilot, who died following an impact with a solid object. A passenger on board sustained serious injuries during the event and was subsequently transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
The investigation
Following the notification of the accident, a GCAA AAIS investigation team recovered the aircraft and its components from the Liwa police station. The wreckage, which included the paraglider and various accessories, was transported to a facility in Dubai for a detailed physical examination.
Investigators identified the aircraft as a Double Seat Paraglider Xcotor Xc 305, a type of motorized paraglider typically used for light recreational aviation. The examination of the airframe revealed that the structure was broken on the left side, the front, and the middle section. While the engine mounting and the pilot's seat remained intact and undamaged, the rear seat, used for the passenger, showed damage to its attachment point to the airframe.
Regarding the propulsion system, the two-stroke, water-cooled engine (model G50.365-02) was inspected alongside the four-bladed Helix propeller. The propeller showed evidence of a previous repair on one blade tip. The investigation also noted that the external fuel tank was ruptured, though the internal tank remained intact and contained approximately 50% of its capacity. The X-wing paraglider canopy itself showed no signs of tearing or structural failure, though the lines were found entangled.
Findings
- The primary impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft's left and forward structural components.
- The external fuel tank was found to be ruptured.
- The propeller had undergone a prior repair to one of its blades.
- There was no recorded evidence of recent annual inspections on the paraglider canopy, as the manufacturer's recommended inspection dates were blank.
Safety action
As part of a broader initiative to regulate light aerial sports, the GCAA is currently studying the implementation of specific instructions for paragliding and other recreational aviation activities. This includes the potential designation of specific flight areas and the establishment of specialized clubs to ensure that practitioners undergo adequate training to conduct these activities safely.