What happened
On August 31, 2019, a paragliding flight near Zgłobień, Rzeszów, resulted in an accident when the pilot struck the canopy of a tree. While performing a turn, the pilot misjudged the aircraft's altitude, causing their legs to catch in the treetops. This impact led to a loss of balance, causing the paraglider to become entangled in a subsequent tree.
Emergency medical services arrived at the scene and transported the pilot to a hospital. The pilot reported experiencing spinal pain and an injury to the eyeball.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by the PKBWL. Due to the nature of the flight, the commission noted that under the Regulation of the Minister of Transport, Construction, and Maritime Economy, paragliding flights must maintain specific minimum altitudes (150m over built-up areas and 100m over other terrain). Because the flight was conducted below the legally required altitude, the PKBWL exercised its authority to refrain from a full investigation of the occurrence.