What happened
On September 19, 2010, at 10:10 UTC, a Sting paramotor was involved in a collision with the Dutch-flagged cruise ship "PRINSENDAM" at the Portimão Commercial Pier in Portugal. The aircraft had taken off from the left bank of the Arade River and was performing low-altitude maneuvers near the vessel when the engine suddenly ceased operation.
Faced with an engine failure and unable to reach land due to the low altitude, the pilot intentionally directed the aircraft toward the superstructure of the cruise ship. The pilot's objective was to use the ship's lifeboat davits to snag the parachute, preventing a forced landing in the water. The maneuver was successful; the aircraft became suspended on the ship's structure. The pilot was rescued by the ship's crew and treated for minor injuries, specifically a suspected leg fracture.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's condition and the pilot's flight profile. Technical experts inspected the paramotor and found that while the engine appeared well-maintained, the propeller was cracked and the battery charge was insufficient for electric starting. Crucially, investigators identified a significant electrical defect: the throttle and stop control knob featured exposed, uninsulated female terminals.
The investigation also reviewed the legality of the flight. The aircraft was operated from an unapproved takeoff site, and the flight path violated altitude restrictions for urban areas. Furthermore, the aircraft was operating in controlled airspace (Faro TMA) without authorization, as paramotors are prohibited from this airspace.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by a loss of ignition resulting from electrical contact between uninsulated terminals on the control knob.
- The pilot's decision to strike the ship was influenced by the low flight altitude, the fact that the pilot could not swim, and the lack of a life jacket on board.
- The takeoff was conducted from a location not approved for ultralight operations.
- The flight violated minimum altitude requirements for urban environments and entered controlled airspace without permission.
- The pilot was unable to provide a pilot's license or aircraft registration documents at the time of the incident.