What happened
On 21 June 2019, a single-seat TrikeBuggy Bullet V3.2 paramotor was attempting to take off from an agricultural field near Bellharbour, Co. Clare. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft's canopy began to move away from the centerline of the trike. As the vehicle accelerated, it veered toward a perimeter wall. The aircraft's left-hand wheel lifted, and the rear of the trike was dragged toward the right by the canopy, causing a sharp turn toward the south-western boundary of the field. The aircraft eventually struck a dry stone wall nose-first. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries, including fractures to both feet and one arm.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions. The investigation found that the pilot had very limited experience with this specific type of aircraft, having flown the trike only three times previously. While the pilot held a BHPA 'Club Pilot' rating, this was not valid for operations in Ireland as the necessary requirements under IAA Aeronautical Notice P.21 were not met.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's configuration and the weather. The aircraft, which was unregistered, was paired with a Dudek Nucleon 31 canopy. Meteorological data indicated that while surface winds were light, a nocturnal inversion was developing, which could have produced local turbulence. The investigation also noted that the pilot had performed a 'hang test' a few days prior, which he believed might have involved a miscalculation of the center of gravity.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff attempt.
- A non-vertical lift vector contributed to the loss of control, as the trike was not positioned directly beneath the canopy during the early stages of inflation.
- The pilot's limited training and flight experience with the trike unit played a role in the outcome.
- The use of the canopy brakes throughout the takeoff sequence was a contributing factor.
- The aircraft and its canopy were not registered in Ireland, and no flight permit was in effect.
- The pilot's existing flight rating was not valid for operation within the State.