What happened
On April 20, 2019, at approximately 17:45 LMT, a pilot launched a PPG Dobermann 2 paramotor for a recreational flight near the ferry crossing in Bochotnica. The pilot, who had approximately 300 total flight hours but only two hours of experience on this specific equipment, performed a pre-flight inspection of the wing and motor, finding no technical issues. The initial flight pattern proceeded without complication.
During the approach to landing at approximately 17:55 LMT, the pilot encountered turbulent atmospheric conditions. This turbulence caused the wing to collapse, resulting in a fall from an altitude of approximately 10 meters. The pilot sustained a broken femur and was subsequently transported by medical helicopter to a specialist hospital in Lublin.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight conditions, the pilot's experience, and the sequence of events leading to the wing collapse. The investigation established that the weather conditions, characterized by overcast skies and light ground turbulence, played a role in the incident. The investigation also noted the pilot's limited experience with the specific paramotor model being operated.