Incident Overview
On June 9, 2021, at approximately 19:00 local time, a 34-year-old Ukrainian man began paragliding flights using a 100-meter tow line behind a bus. The takeoff was from a dirt road near the village of Besiekiery, crossing agricultural fields with no significant terrain obstacles. According to the bus driver, who witnessed the event, the takeoff and tow proceeded normally. The pilot released the tow line and began free flight.
Accident Sequence
At some point, at an altitude of about 20 meters, one wingtip of the paraglider folded. The paraglider began to descend and collided with the ground. The pilot was found unconscious and was transported by air ambulance helicopter to a hospital in Łódź, where he died several hours later.
Investigation
Poland's State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL) contacted the civil aviation authorities of Poland and Ukraine to determine if the accident victim was listed in the aviation personnel register and held any licenses or ratings. Both authorities replied that the individual was not registered and that his aviation qualifications were unknown.
Decision
The PKBWL, acting under Article 135 paragraph 6 of the Aviation Law Act of July 3, 2002 (as amended), decided to discontinue the investigation of the accident. The reason given was that the aircraft at the time of the accident was being used by an unauthorized person.
Actions Taken
The PKBWL forwarded the resolution to the Police and the President of the Civil Aviation Authority.