Cyprus Investigates 2023 Paramotor Glider Accident at Chalepianes

Investigation Overview and Regulatory Context The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Board (AAIIB) of Cyprus released its final report on 15 April 2025, detailing the investigation into a paramotor glider accident that occurred on 5 November 2023. The investigation was conducted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 996/2010, Cyprus Act No 73(1)/2015, and Annex 13 to the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation. The report explicitly states that its sole objective is the prevention of accidents and incidents, and it is not intended to apportion blame or liability. The investigation was deemed of local interest due to previous similar accidents in the region, including incidents on 29 October 2020 and 10 October 2021 that resulted in serious injuries. ## Accident Details and Location The accident involved an OZONE Viper XC paramotor glider, which was not registered. The incident occurred at 1350 UTC on 5 November 2023 in a field at Chalepianes, near Tseri village, within the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR). The location was approximately 200 meters from the E120 road and 800 meters from Ktima Koushioumi. The flight was classified as a private general aviation operation. ## Personnel, Injuries, and Damage The paramotor glider carried one crew member and no passengers. The pilot sustained injuries as a result of the accident. The nature of the damage to the aircraft was described as torn propeller tips. The type of occurrence was identified as a loss of lift, specifically a wing collapse. ## Investigation Scope and Findings The scope of the investigation extended beyond the immediate events leading to the accident to include the broader operation of paragliders and paramotors in Cyprus. Information for the investigation was gathered from witnesses, the pilot, and paramotor wing importers. The report includes attachments such as accident site photographs, wreckage photos, and extracts from the Viber XC pilot manual, as well as the OZONE Viper XC certificate and wing comparison documents.