What happened
On April 21, 2019, a paramotor accident occurred near the Na Podluží lookout tower in the municipality of Nový Podlešov. The pilot was conducting a flight with the intention of scattering the ashes of his deceased partner over a local vineyard, a location significant to both.
The pilot took off from a nearby field track and approached the vineyard from the north of the lookout tower. While performing a left-hand turn into the wind at an altitude of approximately 15 to 20 meters AGL, the pilot lost control of the Elektric 125 powered paraglider. The aircraft impacted the vineyard, striking obstacles such as vineyard posts and wires. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and passed away while being transported to the hospital.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot was flying with an invalid pilot license and the aircraft, registration OK-JGB 64, lacked a valid technical certificate. The investigation examined the aircraft's equipment, including a plastic tube used to carry the ashes, which was found broken at the crash site.
Technical analysis of the Master 21 paraglider revealed high porosity in the canopy, which had significantly degraded its flight characteristics, making it more difficult to control at low speeds. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, noting that wind from the east was creating mechanical turbulence when flowing from the lower-lying fields onto the elevated vineyard terrain.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control during a descending turn at low altitude.
- The pilot was likely under significant emotional stress due to the nature of the flight.
- A long winter break in flying had led to a loss of flight proficiency and situational awareness.
- The pilot likely diverted his attention to manipulating the ash tube during the critical phase of flight.
- The degraded condition of the paraglider canopy required higher angles of attack and more engine power than was being utilized.
- The engine was likely set to low power during the maneuver, which prevented the pilot from recovering from the descent.
- Turbulent air conditions over the vineyard obstacles further complicated the flight.