What happened
On August 5, 2020, a paraglider flight involving a pilot and one passenger was conducted from the EPOM airfield. The flight was intended as a recreational sightseeing flight. While flying at an altitude of approximately 50 to 70 meters above ground level, the pilot attempted to change direction to begin circling within the paragliding launch area.
During this maneuver, the aircraft was traveling at a very low forward speed. This lack of airspeed led to a one-sided stall, which subsequently induced a negative spiral into the wing. The pilot failed to respond to the stall, and the paraglider entered a rotational movement around its vertical axis. The aircraft ultimately collided with the ground. The impact resulted in serious injuries to both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
The PKBWL reviewed the materials provided in the aviation occurrence report and determined that the information was sufficient to conclude the investigation. The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the turn and the pilot's reaction to the loss of airspeed.