What happened
On August 17, 2018, at approximately 17:30, a tandem paragliding flight ended in an accident during the landing phase at Góra Żar, Międzybrodzie Żywieckie. While the pilot was attempting to land, the paraglider was struck by a sudden, strong gust of wind. This wind gust drifted the aircraft toward the perimeter fence of the Meteo restaurant located on the mountain.
As a result of the impact with the fence, the passenger sustained significant injuries, including a fractured left leg and a wound to the right thigh.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the environmental conditions and the sequence of the landing maneuver. The investigation established that the aircraft's trajectory was altered by atmospheric conditions immediately prior to touchdown.