What happened
On August 24, 2024, at approximately 17:00, a 32-year-old pilot arrived at a meadow in Łęg Tarnowski to test a recently purchased, used Dudek Warp 17 powered paraglider. After initial ground testing, the pilot took off at approximately 18:15. The flight lasted over five minutes, during which the pilot sent a message to a contact confirming the flight was underway.
At an undetermined time, the aircraft struck the ground at the edge of a cornfield. Despite an extensive search operation involving drones and local authorities, the pilot was not located until the following morning. The aircraft was found approximately 340 meters from the takeoff site. The pilot sustained fatal internal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the pilot's qualifications, the aircraft's technical condition, and the takeoff configuration. The investigation established that while the pilot held an ultralight aircraft pilot certificate, he did not possess the specific qualifications required for powered paragliding (PPG).
Technical analysis of the Dudek Warp 17 revealed that the takeoff mass was estimated at approximately 112.8 kg, which exceeded the maximum takeoff weight of 110 kg specified in the manufacturer's manual. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight style, noting reports of aggressive maneuvering, and examined the physical evidence at the crash site, including damage to the engine mounting and propeller.
Findings
- The pilot lacked the necessary experience to safely operate a high-performance, competition-class wing.
- The takeoff mass exceeded the manufacturer's limits, which increased the wing's reactivity and made it more susceptible to collapses.
- The pilot was flying without ground support or an observer, which delayed the discovery of the accident.
- The aircraft's high-performance nature required a higher level of skill than the pilot demonstrated.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable (CAVOK) and did not contribute to the accident.