What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 2015 involved a Paramotor, No Registration Thai, at TH.

Fatal paramotor accident in Surat Thani during climb-out

On September 20, 2015, a Paramotor, No Registration Thai was involved in an aviation accident near TH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the improper installation of the paramotor's control lines, which led to uncontrollable oscillations during a turn at a low altitude. This summary draws on records from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee of Thailand (AAIC).

A paramotor pilot was killed after their aircraft lost control and crashed near Surat Thani, Thailand, during a routine takeoff.

What happened

On September 20, 2015, at approximately 08:30 local time, an unregistered paramotor was involved in a fatal accident near the Kred Kaew Ice Factory along the Surat Thani-Phunphin road in Wat Pradu, Mueang, Surat Thani. The aircraft was part of a group of four paramotors performing takeoffs from a dirt field. This specific aircraft was the fourth to depart.

While climbing to an altitude of approximately 50 meters, the pilot attempted a left turn around a tree. During this maneuver, the aircraft began to oscillate and subsequently lost control, striking the ground. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the paramotor's canopy, frame, engine, and propeller. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.

Three other pilots from the same group landed safely and immediately moved to assist the downed aircraft. They discovered the pilot had already passed away before emergency responders arrived at the scene.

The investigation

The investigation examined the mechanical condition of the aircraft and the regulatory compliance of the flight. Investigators found that there were no foreign objects entangled in the lines or the canopy, ruling out an entanglement issue. However, it was determined that the control lines had been incorrectly installed.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed several regulatory violations. The pilot was operating without a valid paramotor pilot license or Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft itself lacked both a registration certificate and a special airworthiness certificate. Additionally, the takeoff location was an unauthorized site not designated for such operations, and the pilot was not a member of any aviation association approved by the Director General of the Civil Aviation Department.

Findings

The incorrect installation of control lines caused the aircraft to oscillate and become uncontrollable during the turn.
The low altitude of 50 meters prevented the pilot from recovering from the loss of control.
The operation was conducted in violation of the Air Navigation Act, involving an unregistered aircraft and an unauthorized takeoff site.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the improper installation of the paramotor's control lines, which led to uncontrollable oscillations during a turn at a low altitude.