What happened
On May 25, 2024, a pilot participating in the Polish Paramotor Cross-Country Championships was conducting a flight from the Strzyżewice airfield (EPLS) near Leszno. The pilot was operating a Dudek Warp 2-22 "Tango" paramotor.
After starting the cross-country task at 08:00, the pilot completed the mission at 09:25 and began a return flight toward the departure airfield. At approximately 09:43, while flying at an altitude of roughly 90 to 100 meters AGL near the settlement of Sądzia Cegielnia, the aircraft experienced a sudden change in direction accompanied by a violent loss of altitude. The paramotor struck the ground with high energy, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft. The 67-year-old pilot sustained fatal injuries at the scene.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the return leg and the environmental conditions present at the time of the impact. The investigation examined the pilot's experience with the specific equipment and the operational pressures present during the competitive event.