Paramotoring Accident in Rusiborek Results in Injuries

Casualties unknown • Rusiborek / Środa Wielkopolska, PL

A paramotor flight involving a passenger ended in a crash after the aircraft struck power lines near a landing field in Poland.

What happened

On July 18, 2015, at approximately 19:00 LMT, two paramotor pilots landed at a landing field in Rusiborek, near Środa Wielkopolska, following a flight from Obłaczkowo. The pilots had arrived to participate in an event at a nearby restaurant. During the event, two guests requested a sightseeing flight. The pilot agreed and prepared the paramotor for a tandem flight.

At approximately 20:20, the pilot took off with the passenger on board. The flight was conducted at an altitude of approximately 150 meters. Around 20:40, the pilot decided to return to the landing field. Upon approach, the pilot observed that the landing strip was occupied by another paramotor landing. To avoid the occupied strip, the pilot descended to an altitude of approximately 10 meters to perform a circuit.

While executing the circuit, the pilot spotted power lines approximately 5 to 10 meters ahead. In an attempt to fly over the wires, the paramotor's carriage struck the lines, causing the aircraft to crash to the ground. The pilot sustained light injuries, while the passenger sustained serious injuries.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's attempt to fly over power lines at a very low altitude, likely exacerbated by reduced visibility due to sunset occurring shortly after the impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-07-18 aircraft accident near Rusiborek / Środa Wielkopolska, PL?

A paramotor flight involving a passenger ended in a crash after the aircraft struck power lines near a landing field in Poland.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-07-18 involved a aircraft, at Rusiborek / Środa Wielkopolska, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's attempt to fly over power lines at a very low altitude, likely exacerbated by reduced visibility due to sunset occurring shortly after the impact.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-1406/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

Loading the flight search…