What happened
On October 24, 2024, at approximately 14:10 local time, an Ozone Magnum 3 paraglider departed from the Cota 1200 area, west of the Hornitos seaside resort in the Antofagasia Region, Chile. The flight was being conducted as a commercial adventure tourism operation. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
Approximately five minutes into the flight, while positioned 5.2 kilometers northeast of the takeoff site, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The paraglider began performing continuous 360-degree descending turns before impacting the ground. Following the impact, Air Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel evacuated both occupants via helicopter. The pilot sustained serious injuries due to a head impact, while the passenger succumbed to their injuries at the Antofagasta Hospital.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the site and the available equipment. While the pilot and passenger harnesses were recovered and inspected, the paraglider wing (the vela) was not found at the scene.
The investigation reviewed the aircraft's documentation and maintenance history. It was determined that the ultralight aircraft was not included in the DGAC's official registry or control system for non-motorized ultralights. Furthermore, the operator lacked the required "Identification and Control of Background" document, which serves as the official authorization for use after verifying compliance with the Aeronautical Code.
Meteorological analysis indicated clear skies and relatively light winds in the area, though investigators noted that the local topography can generate localized updrafts and downdrafts that may intensify wind effects near the accident site.
Findings
- The aircraft was not registered in the DGAC's control system for non-motorized ultralights.
- The operator lacked the mandatory authorization document required to prove the aircraft met aeronautical safety requirements.
- The maintenance status of the wing could not be verified due to the absence of records and the fact that the wing was not recovered.
- The emergency parachute was not deployed during the descent.