What happened
On July 17, 2020, a student pilot was conducting a paragliding training flight at Leszno (EPLS) as part of a PGP-PP training stage. While performing maneuvers in a right-hand circuit, the pilot failed to properly assess the necessary altitude required to execute the third and fourth turns. Despite receiving specific instructions from the instructor to shorten the circuit and initiate a turn into the wind earlier, the pilot continued on a straight course. Consequently, the turn was executed too late, resulting in a landing with the aircraft positioned sideways to the wind. The pilot sustained a fracture to the right leg during the landing.
Weather conditions at the time of the incident were stable, with a light northern wind of 1 m/s and no thermal activity, meaning the weather did not contribute to the accident.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence and the pilot's actions during the maneuver. The inquiry established that the pilot's failure to adhere to the instructor's commands and the improper management of the flight path were central to the event. The investigation also looked into the landing posture and physical factors, noting that the pilot did not adopt the proper landing position, instead landing in a seated position while leaning to the right. The pilot's weight of 95kg was also identified as a contributing factor to the injury.
Findings
- The direct cause of the accident was pilot error, specifically the failure to correctly assess the altitude needed for planned maneuvers and the failure to follow the instructor's instructions.
- Contributing factors included the pilot's weight and the fact that the pilot landed in a seated position, leaning onto the right leg, rather than adopting the correct landing posture.