What happened
On September 2, 2018, at approximately 09:51, a paramotor crashed into the Luantung River near Sanxing Township, Yilan. The aircraft, a self-assembled paramotor, had taken off from the Luantong Riverside Leisure Sports Field, which was not an authorized takeoff site.
Witnesses and surveillance footage observed the pilot performing several flight circuits before attempting a low-altitude maneuver. During a right-hand turn at a low altitude, the aircraft's descent rate increased sharply, causing the wing to tilt heavily to the right before plunging into the river. The pilot was swept downstream by the current. Although emergency responders located the pilot, he had succumbed to multiple traumatic injuries caused by blunt force impact.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's credentials, and environmental factors. The aircraft was a custom-built unit using a CORS-AIR M25Y/E01453 engine. Technical testing of the wreckage revealed that the engine, fuel lines, and control cables were functional. While the engine had ingested water and silt, this occurred due to the impact with the river rather than a mid-air failure. The investigation also noted that the nose wheel had broken upon impact and the front structural frame was bent.
Environmental data from the nearby Luantung and Yilan weather stations indicated calm conditions with minimal wind, suggesting that weather was not a contributing factor. The pilot, a 57-year-old member of a local training association, held a valid student permit but was operating outside of authorized airspace and without a certified instructor present.
Findings
- The flight was an unauthorized operation, as the takeoff location and airspace were not approved for ultralight activities.
- The aircraft was a self-assembled unit that lacked a valid inspection certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration.
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot error during a high-bank turn, where improper control input led to an excessive angle of attack on the right wing, resulting in a loss of control and an increased rate of descent.