What happened
On 5 March 2022, a pilot was flying an Ozone Geo 6 Paraglider near Sugarloaf Hill in County Tipperary. After hiking partway down the hill due to gusty conditions, the pilot prepared for a reverse launch. Following a brief period of difficulty untangling lines, the pilot successfully took off and initially flew in a north-easterly direction.
Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot began a left turn. During this maneuver, the paraglider experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The aircraft continued to descend through a further 180-degree turn, causing the pilot to collide with the terrain near the original launch site. The pilot sustained serious injuries and required a helicopter airlift to the hospital.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the paraglider, harness, and control lines, as well as video footage from a helmet-mounted camera and data from a variometer. The investigation also included interviews with the pilot and statements from other pilots flying in the vicinity.
Technical analysis confirmed that the total weight of the pilot and equipment (approximately 76 kg) was within the Ozone Geo 6 Paraglider's certified flying range of 65-85 kg. No mechanical defects or damage to the wing or harness were identified. The investigation also noted that the pilot was flying alone in an unfamiliar area and was not using a two-way radio to communicate with others.
Findings
- The pilot's turn toward the rising terrain changed the wind from a headwind to a tailwind.
- The complex local topography likely created varying and potentially adverse wind conditions.
- The wing likely collapsed or stalled due to these changing wind conditions during the turn, leaving insufficient altitude for the pilot to recover.
- The pilot was flying in an unfamiliar location without notifying a third party of his flight plans.
- The pilot was not using a two-way radio, meaning his presence was only noted by chance by another nearby pilot.