Paraglider Student Collides with Ground Following Tow Line Break

Casualties unknown • Chrcynno (EPNC), PL

A student paraglider pilot sustained serious injuries after a tow line snapped during a training flight at Chrcynno landing field.

What happened

On May 31, 2012, a training flight involving a student paraglider pilot was underway at the Chrcypno (EPNC) landing field. The flight was being conducted using a winch launch method. During the fourth flight of the day, while at an altitude of approximately 15 meters, the tow line suddenly snapped.

Because the line broke at such a low altitude, the paraglider wing was unable to stabilize itself or return to the proper position above the pilot's head. Following radio instructions from the instructor to brake the wing, the student pilot initially pulled the toggles down to slow the descent. However, shortly after, the student released the toggles, causing the wing to dive forward and gain speed. This maneuver resulted in the student pilot colliding with the ground, causing serious injuries.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the breakage of the tow line at a low altitude, compounded by the student pilot's error in releasing the toggles during the wing's instability.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-05-31 b.d. (ND) accident near Chrcynno (EPNC), PL?

A student paraglider pilot sustained serious injuries after a tow line snapped during a training flight at Chrcynno landing field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-05-31 involved a b.d. (ND), operated by Uczeń-pilot paralotniowy, at Chrcynno (EPNC), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the breakage of the tow line at a low altitude, compounded by the student pilot's error in releasing the toggles during the wing's instability.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2012-0541/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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