What happened
On April 18, 2014, a tandem paragliding flight near Lough Bray Lower, Co. Wicklow, resulted in a high-impact collision with the ground. The flight, which was being conducted as a commercial air transport operation, involved a pilot and a passenger who had arranged the flight via an internet-purchased voucher.
During the flight, the Ozone Magnum Paraglider encountered extreme turbulence. The pilot reported that the atmospheric instability was the most intense they had experienced in fourteen years of flying. This turbulence caused the paraglider wing to collapse. As the pilot attempted to recover the wing, the continued instability triggered two additional successive collapses. Because of the altitude lost during these repeated collapses, the aircraft was unable to regain sufficient lift, leading the occupants to strike the terrain while still moving forward.
Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot suffered a concussion, pelvic fractures, a dislocated shoulder, and a compound fracture of the humerus. The passenger suffered broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a fractured hand. Both individuals required emergency airlift to the hospital by Coastguard helicopter.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the circumstances of the flight, including the weather conditions and the regulatory status of the operation. At the time of the accident, the wind was blowing from the east to southeast at speeds between 12 and 22 km/h, with excellent visibility.
The investigation also scrutinized the legal nature of the flight. While the pilot categorized the flight as training, the AAIU determined that because the passenger had paid for the flight via a coupon, the operation fell under the definition of commercial air transport. Under Irish aviation regulations, such operations do not benefit from the same exemptions as private flights regarding aircraft registration and pilot licensing requirements.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was successive paraglider wing collapses triggered by an encounter with heavy turbulence and atmospheric instability.
- A contributing factor was the insufficient altitude remaining to successfully re-inflate the wing following the collapses.
- The flight was legally classified as a commercial air transport operation due to the payment made for the flight.
Safety action
As a result of the investigation, the AAIU issued a safety recommendation to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). The recommendation suggests that the IAA review paraglider operations for compliance with statutory instruments and consider issuing an advisory memorandum to provide clearer guidance and education for operators conducting flights other than for private use.