What happened
On April 1, 2017, at approximately 18:00, two pilots took off in powered paragliders (PPG) from a meadow located near the town of Dębówka. One of the pilots was flying at a very low altitude over the Łyna River. Approximately five to ten minutes after takeoff, the pilot failed to maintain sufficient clearance over obstacles, causing the paraglider to strike an electrical power line crossing the river near a railway viaduct.
Following the impact, the pilot and the paraglider fell into the river. Witnesses nearby assisted in pulling the pilot from the water. The pilot sustained minor bruises and abrasions, but no other injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft struck a power line due to insufficient altitude. While the paraglider was not recovered following a search, the investigation confirmed that atmospheric conditions were not a contributing factor to the accident.