What happened
On March 20, 2010, an operator transported a personally owned powered hang glider from his residence to an open field near the south bank of the Dajia River in Shengang, Taichung County. After assembling the aircraft on-site, the pilot attempted a solo flight at approximately 08:00. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft reached an altitude slightly higher than a nearby high-voltage tower, at which point the pilot experienced significant vibrations.
Feeling nervous due to the instability, the pilot attempted an emergency landing. Because the immediate riverbed was too uneven for a safe touchdown, the pilot flew northwest along the Dajia River toward the ocean in search of a suitable landing site. At approximately 08:40, the aircraft crashed into the wetlands at the Dajia River estuary, roughly 13.9 km from the initial takeoff point. The pilot sustained a broken right leg and required rescue by local firefighters. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though no fire occurred at the scene.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage and the pilot's background. Analysis of the debris revealed that the engine's propeller blades were broken at the roots, and the engine speed meter remained at 6,200 rpm, indicating the engine was powered on at the time of the impact. The structural damage to the nose wheel suggested the aircraft struck the ground in a head-down position.
Investigators noted that the aircraft, a Stranger model, is designed such that the nose pitches downward when airspeed decreases to help regain momentum. The pilot reported being unable to pull the glider up before the collision. The investigation also revealed that the pilot was a beginner with only a few hours of flight experience, had no formal license, and was not a member of any recognized ultra-light vehicle associations. Furthermore, the pilot had been attempting to learn flight techniques via digital films rather than through certified instructors. Maintenance records were also found to be non-existent, as the pilot had used non-standard replacement parts for repairs.
Findings
- The pilot lacked the necessary flight skills and maneuvers to recover the aircraft during a loss of airspeed.
- Improper operation and a lack of flight safety training contributed to the inability to manage the aircraft's pitch during the landing attempt.
- The pilot was operating without a license or membership in a regulated activity association.
- The aircraft was maintained using non-standard parts without a technical logbook.
- The flight took place outside of a legal airfield.