What happened
On April 9, 2020, a paraglider pilot launched from Mała Czantoria with the intention of flying toward Skrzyczne. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noted that the mountain weather conditions were unfavorable. While flying through the Brenna valley at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters, the pilot encountered significant wind speeds of 30–40 km/h.
Upon reaching the end of the valley, the pilot encountered areas of increased sinking and turbulence. Realizing that maintaining altitude was no longer possible, the pilot decided to return to the Brenna valley to land. To maintain forward progress against the strong valley winds, the pilot was utilizing the speed system.
As the pilot approached a landing site, they identified power lines crossing the intended meadow and opted to seek an alternative landing area behind some buildings. During this low-altitude approach, the aircraft entered rotors caused by a hill ahead. At an altitude of approximately 30 meters, the wing began to lose internal pressure. In an attempt to prevent a collapse, the pilot released the speed system; however, this caused the wind to push the glider backward toward the power lines. To avoid the wires, the pilot deployed the reserve parachute. Due to the extremely low altitude, the reserve canopy did not fully position itself above the pilot. Shortly after deployment, the pilot struck the roof of an outbuilding, sustaining serious injuries.