Accident Details
On 29 July 2025, at approximately 14:52 UTC (16:52 local time), a female paraglider pilot was conducting ground handling exercises on the northwest training area of Ranská Hora, within the traffic zone of Raná airfield (LKRA). The wind was from the northwest at 6–10 m/s. During the exercise, she moved halfway across the training area below a small bump ("malá bouda") on Ranská Hora, where she took off in an attempt to slope soar. A gust of wind carried her upward and backward over the edge of the small bump.
The paraglider then entered the lee side of the slope, experiencing strong turbulent flow. In the rotor flow, multiple collapses of half of the canopy occurred, and the glider transitioned into a spiral. The pilot lost control, and the paraglider impacted the slope at high speed.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries the following day. The paraglider, a Magic M model, was reported undamaged in the accident.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Magic M paraglider, manufactured by Bruce Goldsmith Design (USA), category EN-A. It had no registration marks. The pilot was female; no further personal details were provided in the report.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather conditions at the time were described as windy with gusts. A witness, also a paraglider pilot, reported that the wind had gusts up to 14 m/s and deemed it not safe for flying. The official investigation included SYNOP reports, radar and satellite imagery, and wind direction/speed graphs, but specific values beyond the surface wind of 6–10 m/s from the NW were not detailed in the summary.
Investigation
The accident was investigated by the Czech Air Accident Investigation Institute (ÚZPLN) in accordance with EU and national regulations. The investigation utilized witness statements and inspection of the paraglider. One witness observed the pilot throughout the ground handling and the critical flight, and assisted her after the accident until emergency services arrived.
Conclusions and Probable Cause
The investigation commission concluded that the pilot, aircraft, and meteorological conditions were factors in the accident. The probable cause was not explicitly stated in the available report.