What happened
On September 25, 2022, a paragliding flight traveling from Punta San Marcos toward Iquique ended in a fatal impact against a hillside. The pilot was operating a Gin Gliders Inc. Explorer paraglider as part of a group flight. After approximately four hours of flight, while positioned 7 kilometers northeast of Diego Aracena Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The wing suffered an asymmetric left-side collapse, which transitioned into a series of rapid, descending 360-degree turns. The pilot struck the western slope of a hill at an elevation of 260 meters. Although the pilot was evacuated by air by Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel, she succumbed to her injuries at a regional hospital later that day.
The investigation
The DGAC Chile investigation examined the flight track data extracted from the pilot's mobile device, which confirmed a sequence of rapid, left-hand spiral turns. Investigators also reviewed witness accounts from other pilots in the group and analyzed meteorological data from the Chilean Meteorological Directorate. The investigation focused on the wing's behavior, the pilot's corrective actions, and the environmental conditions at the time of the impact. The inspection of the Gin Gliders Inc. Explorer revealed no structural damage to the lines, cells, or fabric, but noted that the aircraft was not registered in the DGAC's ultralight control system.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control due to an asymmetric left-side wing collapse.
- The pilot's corrective maneuvers did not align with the manufacturer's emergency procedures; specifically, the pilot turned into the side of the collapse, which induced a spin.
- High G-forces generated during the rapid spiral descent likely prevented the pilot from executing effective recovery maneuvers or deploying the emergency parachute.
- The proximity to the hillside (approximately 40 meters) limited the available maneuvering space and influenced the pilot's decision to turn left.
- While meteorological conditions were generally suitable for flight, local terrain-induced winds can intensify during the afternoon.
- The pilot's emergency parachute remained undeployed at the time of impact.
Safety action
- The DGAC Chile recommends disseminating the findings of this investigation to all ultralight vehicle operators to promote accident prevention.
- Operators of non-motorized ultralight vehicles should emphasize strict adherence to manufacturer-specified procedures for recovering from wing collapses and the proper use of emergency parachutes.