What happened
On November 27, 2021, at approximately 18:30 local time, a recreational paragliding flight ended in a high-impact ground collision in the Las Vizcachas sector of Puente Alto, Metropolitan Region. The aircraft, a Sol Paragliders Ellus 5 M, was being operated by a pilot during a routine flight at a local paragliding center.
During the final approach to the landing zone, the pilot realized the aircraft was at too high an altitude to land safely within the designated area. In an attempt to lose altitude, the pilot executed a left turn to reverse the approach course. This maneuver caused the wing to lose relative wind, leading to a sudden loss of lift and a rapid descent. While attempting to avoid a perimeter fence at the edge of the landing site, the pilot was forced into a low-altitude maneuver that resulted in a violent impact with the terrain. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the aircraft remained undamaged.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the flight circumstances, the pilot's recent activity, and the technical condition of the equipment. The investigation reviewed GPS flight tracking data and video footage of the event. The inquiry also looked into the maintenance records of the paraglider and the pilot's familiarity with the landing area.
Investigators noted that the pilot had not flown for over four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was not familiar with the specific flight sector where the accident occurred. Additionally, the aircraft was not registered with the DGAC, and the operator could not provide maintenance logs to verify the airworthiness of the equipment, although physical inspections of the wing and harness showed no mechanical failures.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a maneuver performed at low altitude, which led to the abrupt ground impact.
- The pilot's decision to reverse the approach course resulted in a loss of relative wind, causing the wing to enter a stall/loss of lift condition.
- The pilot entered the final approach at an excessive altitude, necessitating the corrective maneuver.
- The pilot's recent flight inactivity and lack of familiarity with the local landing zone contributed to the error.
- The pilot attempted an evasive maneuver at high speed and low altitude to avoid a perimeter fence, which directly caused the collision with the ground.
Safety action
- Flight centers should ensure pilots, especially those unfamiliar with the area, are briefed on landing procedures, visual altitude references, and emergency landing sectors.
- Pilots and operators must adhere to regulations regarding the registration and maintenance of ultralight aircraft.
- Awareness should be increased regarding the dangers of maneuvers that cause a loss of lift due to insufficient relative wind during the landing phase.