Paraglider accident near Skawica involving unauthorized pilot

Casualties unknown • Góra Okrąglica k Skawicy, PL

A paraglider pilot sustained serious injuries after a sudden wind gust caused a loss of control during a recreational flight near Skawica.

What happened

On October 29, 2019, at approximately 16:00 LMT, a 40-year-old male initiated a recreational paragliding flight from the Okrąglica slope. During the flight, a powerful gust of wind caused the pilot to lose control of the paraglider. The pilot subsequently fell from an altitude of approximately 40 to 50 meters onto the slope. The impact resulted in serious injuries, and the individual was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

The investigation

The PKBWL investigation established that the individual operating the aircraft held a paraglider pilot qualification certificate that had expired in 2017. Due to the fact that the aircraft was being operated by an unauthorized person at the time of the occurrence, the Commission decided to refrain from conducting a full investigation into the accident. The decision to decline further investigation was communicated to the Civil Aviation Authority and the Police Headquarters in Maków Podhalański.

Probable cause

A strong wind gust caused the pilot to lose control of the paraglider, compounded by the fact that the pilot was operating with an expired qualification.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-10-29 b.d. (ND) accident near Góra Okrąglica k Skawicy, PL?

A paraglider pilot sustained serious injuries after a sudden wind gust caused a loss of control during a recreational flight near Skawica.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-10-29 involved a b.d. (ND), operated by Osoba bez uprawnień, at Góra Okrąglica k Skawicy, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A strong wind gust caused the pilot to lose control of the paraglider, compounded by the fact that the pilot was operating with an expired qualification.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2019-4970/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

Loading the flight search…