What happened
On June 1, 2022, at approximately 08:06 local time, a Liberty Thor 250 powered paramotor (registration OK-BMA 83) was involved in a fatal accident at Stichovice airfield. The pilot, a 37-year-old instructor with over 1,000 hours of flight experience, had taken off to practice a competitive pylon racing discipline.
Security camera footage shows that while performing a series of low-altitude turns approximately 5 meters above the ground, the pilot initiated a sharp left oval maneuver. During this turn, the wing of the paramotor suffered a sudden, massive collapse involving more than half of its span. This caused the aircraft to lose all controllable flight, pitching nearly 90 degrees vertically and 180 degrees horizontally. The aircraft struck the ground at a steep angle just one second after the collapse. The pilot sustained fatal injuries upon impact.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's training, and the meteorological conditions. Technical analysis of the Liberty Thor 250 revealed that the aircraft was not airworthy for the specific flight because the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of the wing had been exceeded by approximately 16 kg, representing a 13% overload.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while he was a qualified instructor, he had only been training on this specific wing type since the previous day. Meteorological data indicated optimal flying conditions with light winds and good visibility, suggesting weather played no role in the accident. Forensic medical examinations ruled out any pre-existing medical conditions or impairment from alcohol or drugs as contributing factors.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to maintain proper piloting technique during low-altitude maneuvering with an overloaded wing.
- The aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum takeoff weight, which altered the wing's flight characteristics, making it more aggressive and prone to rapid reactions.
- The pilot had minimal experience with this specific wing model and had not undergone sufficient training on it.
- Due to the low altitude and the speed of the wing's reaction while overloaded, the pilot had no opportunity to recover the aircraft once the collapse occurred.