What happened
On April 25, 2019, at approximately 19:10 LMT, a pilot operating a DUDEK PPG powered paraglider took off from a meadow near Serby, Poland, for a recreational flight intended to visit the area near Głogów before returning to the takeoff site. The initial flight and takeoff proceeded without incident.
During the approach to landing, the pilot planned to fly over a power line. As the aircraft neared the lines, it encountered significant thermal activity. This turbulence caused sudden, violent collapses of the paraglider canopy, leading to a rapid loss of altitude. The canopy subsequently struck the power lines, becoming entangled in the wires. The impact caused an electrical short circuit, resulting in a power outage in the nearby village. Due to the sudden deceleration, the engine and the pilot were thrown backward, striking the ground and coming to rest approximately 0.5 meters above the surface. Bystanders who witnessed the event landed nearby and assisted the pilot in releasing him from the harness before notifying emergency services.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight conditions and the sequence of events leading to the impact. The investigation established that the pilot, a 58-year-old male with appropriate qualifications, was flying in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) during the day. The investigation reviewed the pilot's statement regarding the atmospheric conditions and the flight path relative to the electrical infrastructure.
Findings
- The pilot encountered unprepared thermal turbulence during the landing approach.
- The approach to the landing site was performed at an insufficient altitude relative to the power lines.
- The impact with the power lines caused a canopy collapse and subsequent electrical failure in the local area.
- The pilot sustained spinal injuries as a result of the sudden deceleration and ground impact.
- A post-accident alcohol test for the pilot returned a negative result.