What happened
On April 22, 2013, a paramotor pilot was conducting a test flight of a new wing, an NRG 18, equipped with a PPG Solo 210 engine. The flight was intended to evaluate the wing's characteristics prior to a potential purchase. The weather conditions were reported as very good, with laminar winds at approximately 2 m/s.
After takeoff and an initial right-hand turn, the pilot reached an altitude of approximately 12 to 15 meters. At this stage, the pilot attempted to adjust their position within the harness. During this movement, the pilot's weight shifted to the right side, which initiated a turn that rapidly intensified. Video analysis of the flight suggests the pilot may have also inadvertently pulled the right brake toggles while reaching for the controls. As the turn deepened, the pilot applied heavy pressure to the right brake, leading to a stall and a subsequent loss of lift. The altitude was insufficient to allow for any corrective maneuvers, resulting in a high-impact collision with the ground.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation utilized information from the accident report, interviews with the pilot, and a frame-by-frame analysis of flight video footage. The investigation focused on the pilot's physical movements within the harness and the aerodynamic response of the NRG 18 wing during the critical moments of the descent.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a pilot error involving the loss of directional control while attempting to adjust the harness.
- The high maneuverability and responsiveness of the NRG 18 wing, which is designed for dynamic slalom flying, contributed to the rapid intensification of the turn.
- The pilot's weight shift and subsequent heavy use of the right brake caused the wing to enter a stall.
- The pilot sustained fatal injuries as a result of the impact.
- The investigation noted that the pilot's altitude was too low to recover from the developing situation.