Flight History
On 28 May 2019, three paraglider pilots went to a takeoff site at Ano Verga on Mount Kalathi near Kalamata, Messinia. According to pilot interviews, winds at takeoff and during flight were variable, shifting from westerly to easterly. The accident pilot took off second and flew near the mountain for a short time before deciding to head to the designated landing area at the beachfront of the Grecotel Filoxenia Kalamata hotel. While approaching the landing area, he observed variable winds and was cautious. The prevailing weather conditions caused him to lose control and fall into the sea. During the descent, he did not deploy his reserve parachute. After contacting the water, his equipment hindered swimming and stability, putting him at risk of drowning.
Pilot Information
The pilot, born in 1968, stated in an interview that he had been flying frequently since 2012 without holding a paraglider pilot license. Another interview reported that he was experienced with many flight hours, but these were not recorded.
Paraglider Information
The paraglider was a SKYWALK GmbH & Co. KG model TEQUILA 5L, manufactured on 14 May 2018. It was certified by the German DHV according to standards EN 926-1/2016 and EN 926-2/2015.
Meteorological Information
According to the METAR from Kalamata State Airport, at the time of the accident winds were from 30° at 7 kt (13 km/h).
Takeoff and Landing Sites
The recommended wind direction for safe takeoffs, landings, and flights in the Kalamata area is northwesterly, westerly, or southwesterly. Deviations reduce safety. Northerly, northeasterly, easterly, southeasterly, and southerly winds make flight dangerous. The takeoff and flight area lies within the 10 nm controlled airspace of Kalamata State Airport, where paraglider operation is prohibited without permission from the controlling authority (regulation ΦΕΚ B/309/15.03.2006).
Organizational Information
The regulatory framework for paragliding activities is defined by decision ΥΠΑ/Δ/Δ2/7259/2071/01.03.2006 (ΦΕΚ B/309/15.03.2006). This regulation does not require a pilot license for paragliding, nor does it specify how to obtain one or how to recognize foreign licenses. It also states that paraglider pilots are not required to hold a medical certificate.
Conclusions
The pilot flew without a license, though the regulation does not require one. According to interviews, he flew frequently with many unrecorded hours. The flight occurred within the 10 nm controlled airspace of Kalamata Airport, which prohibits flights without permission; it is unknown if permission was granted. The pilots, including the injured one, either were not informed of or ignored meteorological data and flew in conditions where winds made flight dangerous. Specifically, northeasterly winds create turbulence and rotors when crossing the mountains, causing partial or total wing collapses. Furthermore, interviews indicated that the pilot's meteorological knowledge was insufficient to assess the risk, revealing a lack of adequate training. This is supported by the failure to use the reserve parachute and to release equipment before water contact to reduce drowning risk.