What happened
On 13 May 2020, a pilot was operating a privately registered RS Ultra Kangook powered paraglider for recreational purposes near Gibbons, Alberta. While attempting to land in a field, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure before the aircraft could touch down. During this maneuver, the aircraft encountered a dust devil. This sudden atmospheric disturbance caused the paraglider's canopy to partially collapse, leading to a collision with the terrain. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
The investigation
The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the event. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading from the decision to perform a go-around to the impact with the ground, specifically examining the impact of the weather phenomenon on the aircraft's flight stability.