What happened
On August 17, 2018, a paraglider pilot was performing a solo winch launch for training purposes at the Zator/Gierałtowiczki airfield. The pilot was engaged in the second stage of training for a paraglider pilot qualification. During the takeoff sequence, the pilot leaned on the ground with the left hand while holding the control bar, which caused the aircraft to deviate from its intended course.
As the aircraft drifted away from the runway toward adjacent farmland, the tow line became entangled in bushes located at the edge of a field. In an attempt to maneuver the aircraft back toward the runway, the pilot initiated another change in direction, which resulted in the tow line snapping. Although the pilot received instructions to land on the runway, the broken line remained snagged on the bushes, causing a sudden and violent deceleration at an altitude of approximately 3 meters. This loss of airspeed caused the wing to overshoot the pilot, leading to a fall to the ground. The pilot sustained a broken leg and was subsequently transported to a hospital by ambulance.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the winch launch and the mechanical failure of the tow line. The inquiry established that the deviation from the runway was caused by the pilot's physical contact with the ground during the initial phase of the launch. The investigation also examined the impact of the vegetation at the edge of the airfield on the tow line's integrity and the subsequent aerodynamic behavior of the Tequila 3 L during the sudden deceleration.