What happened
On March 13, 2022, at approximately 17:30 local time, a paraglider pilot was conducting a recreational flight in the rural area of Las Vizcachas, near Cerro Minillas, in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The pilot, operating a Bruce Goldsmith Design CURE 2, had been flying for roughly 45 minutes and had decided to return to the landing zone after noticing varying wind intensities and directions.
While descending at an altitude of approximately 120 meters, the aircraft encountered sudden turbulence, likely caused by local rotor effects from the surrounding topography. This turbulence triggered an asymmetric frontal collapse of the wing. The collapse led to an involuntary autorotation, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. Despite attempts to recover the flight condition, the pilot was unable to stabilize the wing and impacted the terrain. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the aircraft remained undamaged.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft, the pilot's credentials, and the local meteorological conditions. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid ultralight non-motorized license and possessed significant flight experience, with approximately 3,000 total flight hours. Technical inspections of the Bruce Goldsmith Design CURE 2 wing, lines, and harness revealed no mechanical discrepancies or maintenance deficiencies; the equipment was within its service life and appeared to be in good condition.
Meteorological data from the Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) supported the presence of variable winds and noted that the local topography is known to generate upward and downward air currents, which can intensify turbulence in the area. Investigators also noted that the aircraft was not included in the DGAC's specific registry for non-motorized ultralight vehicles.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control in flight resulting from an asymmetric frontal collapse of the wing.
- Local topographical features created turbulence that induced the wing collapse.
- The resulting involuntary autorotation prevented the pilot from maintaining a stable flight path.
- The pilot lacked sufficient altitude and time to deploy the emergency parachute during the rapid descent.
- The aircraft was not registered in the DGAC's ultralight control system.