What happened
On June 13, 2015, a student paraglider was conducting a training flight as part of a Stage I qualification course. The flight was performed using a Prymus 3 (Sol) paraglider. The student, who had completed 42 training flights in total, including 10 flights on the day of the incident, executed a successful takeoff and performed several gentle turns.
While flying at an altitude of approximately 5 to 10 meters, the student turned the paraglider into the wind to prepare for a straight approach. Although the landing itself was executed correctly, the student's leg was twisted upon contact with the ground due to uneven terrain.
The investigation
The investigation examined the landing site to determine the nature of the terrain irregularities. It was established that the landing area was covered in tall grass, which obscured the ground surface. Upon inspection, investigators found ant mounds reaching heights of up to 40 cm distributed throughout the landing zone.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the landing on terrain irregularities that were not visible to the student at the moment of touchdown.
- A contributing factor was the tall grass at the chosen landing site, which limited the student's ability to observe the ground conditions prior to landing.