What happened
On July 4, 2023, at approximately 18:55 UTC, a pilot took off from the Outeiro da Cabeça area in Torres Vedras, Portugal, operating a NIVIUK KOUGAR 3 powered paraglider (PPG). The flight was intended for recreational purposes, specifically to capture aerial photographs of a residence in Valbom, Cadaval.
While flying along the western side of the Serra de Montejunto, the pilot performed a straight-in approach toward the target location. Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft reversing direction, at which point the wing began to bend and the aircraft lost altitude. Another witness reported seeing the wing collapse, leading to a near free-fall descent. The aircraft struck the ground, resulting in one fatality. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft and a fuel spill onto the surrounding vegetation.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation team examined the wreckage, interviewed witnesses, and analyzed data from two GPS navigation devices carried by the pilot. The investigation established that the aircraft, a NIVIUK KOUGAR 3 with a CONDOR XS frame and EFX AVIO EVO engine, was a second-hand unit with French ultralight identification and was not authorized to fly in Portugal.
Medical examinations of the pilot revealed no evidence of natural illness, alcohol, or drug use. The investigation also noted that while the pilot wore protective gear, including a helmet and gloves, the emergency Dudek parachute was found outside its compartment, likely due to unintentional release during the impact with vegetation. The investigation concluded that the aircraft's inversion during the crash created an unlikely survivable outcome.
Findings
- The pilot had not flown with this specific equipment since May 31, 2023, making this only the fourth flight with this unit.
- The pilot's previous experience involved flying an OZONE Roadster 2 wing, which is designed for higher stability and easier recovery than the accident aircraft.
- The wing collapse and subsequent loss of control were the primary factors in the accident.
- The aircraft was being operated without proper authorization under Portuguese regulations.
- There is a lack of oversight and criteria regarding the trade and operation of such ultralight equipment in the region.