Incident
On 25 August 2017, a 37-year-old male pilot with a paraglider pilot certificate (PGP) obtained in October 2015 arrived at Góra Żar near Międzybrodzie Żywieckie, Poland, intending to fly a paraglider equipped with a Triple Seven ROOK S wing. He had no prior flying experience in the area and discussed local launch procedures with other pilots at the summit. At approximately 15:30 local time, he launched from the peak in a westerly direction. After nearly one hour of flying in strong westerly winds, he approached to land on the north-westerly direction onto an unused portion of the EPZR airfield, near the gliding school building and below the lower station of the cable car to Góra Żar.
During the final approach, the paraglider encountered turbulence generated by tall trees on the windward side of the airfield. The pilot lost control, the wing collapsed, and he fell from an estimated height of 15 meters at a high descent speed, impacting the ground. The pilot sustained serious injuries. Witnesses summoned a helicopter emergency medical service (LPR) that transported him to a hospital.
Investigation
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) analyzed the available materials and determined the sequence of events. The pilot was qualified to fly paragliders but had limited overall experience and no specific experience at the Góra Żar site.
Causes
The commission identified two causes of the accident: 1. Approach and landing in an unsuitable location, downwind of the forest and in turbulent conditions. 2. Failure to regain control of the paraglider after the wing deformed.
Contributing factors included the pilot's low general experience and lack of familiarity with the local flying site. No preventive actions or safety recommendations were proposed by the operator or the commission.