Introduction
On April 22, 2018, a Cessna 182 operated by the Opole Aeroclub was involved in a serious incident at EPOP (Polska Nowa Wieś). The aircraft was carrying parachutists and had taken off from runway 30, which was also being used for glider and paraglider towing operations.
Incident Details
The pilot performed an engine test, then occupied runway 30 and completed pre-takeoff checks. He announced his intention to take off via radio but received no response and observed no movement on the runway. Believing the airspace clear, he commenced the takeoff roll. During climb, at approximately 250 ft, the pilot felt a jerk and noticed agitation among the parachutists. He continued climbing while monitoring engine parameters. At around 600 ft, he initiated post-takeoff procedures with a right turn. Radio communication was hindered by interference from neighboring airports. Eventually, he was informed that his aircraft's right wing had struck a descending paraglider towline, which broke and separated from the aircraft.
The pilot inspected the wing and found no external damage. After the parachutists exited at 2000 m, he performed a control check with flaps extended and maintaining approach speed, confirming controllability. He then landed back at EPOP without further incident. Post-landing inspection revealed a paint chip measuring approximately 6 cm by 1 cm on the wing.
Findings
- The pilot informed his intention via radio and observed the runway, seeing no activity.
- The paraglider winch operator saw the approaching aircraft and attempted to retract the towline faster, but contact occurred.
- The paraglider was at an altitude not visible to the pilot as it was above the aircraft's windshield.
- The towline had already been released by the paraglider pilot before the collision.
- The parachute section's radio (RS6103) had a dead battery; a substitute radio (RS6101) in a VW Polo was used.
- No radio communication existed between the parachute and paraglider sections.
- The aeroclub director was not informed about the three sections operating independently.
- A NOTAM had closed runway 12/30 due to tree obstacles, but operations continued on runway 30.
Causes
The investigation identified the following causes:
- Lack of radio communication between sections conducting their aviation activities.
- Lack of supervision over aeroclub operations.
- The pilot's assumption of free airspace, combined with the absence of radio communication and limited cockpit visibility, led to a collision with the descending paraglider towline.