What happened
On May 9, 2021, at the EPPI aerodrome, a student pilot was performing a training flight in a KR-03A "Puchatek" glider, registration SP-355 and 55. The flight was being conducted via aero-tow using a car. At the same time, a paramotor launch area was active in parallel with the glider operations.
During the takeoff roll, the glider's wing became entangled with the launch line used for paramotors. As the glider continued its ascent, the paramotor line remained attached to the wing. Upon receiving radio notification from the paramotor launch manager, the aero-tow was terminated. The student pilot managed to release the tow line at an altitude of approximately 300 m AGL. Although the paramotor line was disconnected from its winch, it remained attached to the glider throughout the remainder of the flight. The pilot followed standard circuit procedures and completed a safe landing with no injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the sequence of events and the operational environment at the aerodrome. The investigation focused on the simultaneous use of two different launch methods—car-towed gliders and winch-launched paramotors—within the same takeoff area and the lack of coordination between the different flight operations.
Findings
- Inadequate coordination between glider and paramotor flight operations within the same airfield area.
- The glider takeoff was performed without the prior removal of the paramotor launch line from the takeoff field.
Safety action
Following the incident, the aircraft operator implemented several preventive measures, including:
- Conducting a review of the incident with all glider pilots involved in aero-tow operations and representatives from the paramotor school.
- Improving communication between the involved parties by introducing more efficient communication methods and refining procedures for sharing ground and air traffic information.