What happened
On April 19, 2018, at approximately 13:50 LMT, a pilot launched from the northern takeoff site at Góra Żar, intending to fly toward Zakopane. During the flight, the pilot successfully gained altitude of approximately 1,800 meters over Mount Jaworzyna and continued toward Żywiec.
However, while flying at an altitude of approximately 900 meters near Świnna, the NOVA FACTOR 2 paraglider entered an area of extreme turbulence. The pilot attempted to return to the calmer air near Żywiec by using the speed system to increase forward velocity, but the aircraft continued to drift backward with the wind. In an effort to descend quickly and land, the pilot implemented the "ears" technique (deforming the wing to increase descent rate).
As the pilot approached a landing site in an open field at an altitude of approximately 40 meters, the wing collapsed again. The pilot attempted to deploy the reserve parachute, but the paraglider lines became entangled around his arm, preventing a clean deployment. The aircraft subsequently fell to the ground, resulting in a serious spinal injury to the pilot.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the pilot's qualifications, and the technical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, held a valid medical certificate, and was an experienced flyer with significant flight hours, including experience in the Alps and Himalayas.
Meteorological analysis of the GAMET forecast and local station data from Bielsko-Biała revealed that while surface winds were moderate, significant wind speeds and direction changes were expected at higher altitudes. The investigation noted that the combination of spring thermals and the mountainous terrain created highly unpredictable and turbulent air currents.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the entry of the paraglider into an area of very turbulent air, which led to the pilot's decision to perform an emergency landing in unprepared terrain.
- During the descent, a partial collapse of the wing occurred at an altitude of approximately 40 meters.
- The pilot's decision to fly in challenging atmospheric conditions acted as a contributing factor to the occurrence.
- The NOVA FACTOR 2 wing was found to be in good technical condition, with recent permeability tests confirming the fabric was in like-new condition.
- The pilot was not under the influence of alcohol.