What happened
On September 3, 2020, at approximately 18:55, a paramotor consisting of an R-BUS 37 wing and an Azymut Zenith trolley was performing a passenger flight from a temporary landing site near Rudniki, Poland. The takeoff was conducted from an uneven area on a spoil tip adjacent to a quarry.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft lifted off the ground after approximately 78 meters. Shortly after rotation, the wing deflected to the right, causing the pilot to execute a 9-degree turn to correct the course. During the subsequent maneuver, the engine experienced a loss of power. The aircraft began to descend and struck bushes and a slope at the edge of the landing site. The momentum caused the paramotor to become entangled in a medium-voltage power line running along the slope. The impact caused significant damage to the trolley, the propeller blades, and the wing.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the takeoff distance, the engine's mechanical condition, and the pilot's decision-making. Analysis of witness video footage revealed that the takeoff roll was initiated only 86 meters away from the boundary of the landing site, which was lined with trees and bushes. The investigation also reviewed the engine's history, noting that the Honda HJS 100 HP engine had previously exhibited intermittent issues with carburetor flooding during vibrations, which the pilot had reported to the manufacturer.
Findings
- The pilot initiated the takeoff roll too close to obstacles (trees and bushes) located in the takeoff direction, leaving insufficient margin for an emergency maneuver or aborted takeoff.
- A loss of engine power occurred during the flight phase following takeoff, contributing to the descent into the obstacles.
- The engine had a known history of intermittent power loss due to carburetor flooding when subjected to vibrations, a condition that persisted despite previous maintenance attempts.
- The pilot proceeded with a passenger flight despite being aware that the engine was not operating at full reliability.
- The takeoff distance from the obstacles was insufficient; based on the height of the nearby trees, a much larger safety margin was required to allow for a safe climb or an aborted takeoff.