What happened
On the afternoon of 4 June 2016, a pilot launched an unregistered Ozone, Speedster 28 paramotor from Gormanston Beach, Co. Meath. After an initial period of flight over the sea, the pilot began performing various aerial maneuvers, including steep turns and figure-eight patterns. Witnesses noted that the aircraft would frequently descend toward the water's surface before climbing back to its previous altitude.
During the final sequence of maneuvers, the aircraft's engine power significantly decreased, and the pilot began a series of right-hand turns. The aircraft then entered a rapid, high-speed spiral dive. The descent rate was estimated to be as high as 30 m/s just before the aircraft impacted the shallow water approximately 150 meters from the shoreline. The pilot sustained one fatal injury.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's flight history, and several witness accounts. The pilot was an experienced paraglider with several years of experience, though he had approximately 25 hours of flight time specifically with this paramotor setup. Recent stability training (SIV) had been completed in Spain two weeks prior to the accident, but this training was conducted using the wing without the weight of the motor and engine.
Investigators analyzed the aircraft's weight and configuration. The wing's maximum allowable total flying weight was 125 kg, but the actual weight at the time of the accident was approximately 140 kg. Witnesses also observed a potential deformation in the right side of the wing just before the descent began.
Findings
- The pilot was performing steep, aggressive maneuvers at a low altitude.
- The total flying weight of the Ozone, Speedster 28 exceeded the manufacturer's maximum limit of 125 kg.
- The aircraft entered an inadvertent spiral dive at a height that left insufficient room for recovery.
- The pilot may have experienced disorientation due to the steep turns and the visual effects of flying over water.
- The increased weight of the motor and engine may have altered the wing's flight characteristics, making it more difficult to control during maneuvers.