Introduction
On 12 July 2022 at approximately 12:45 UTC, a paraglider accident occurred near the village of Horná Súča, Slovakia. The aircraft involved was a Triple Seven Gliders Rook 3, registration OM-L301, operated by a private individual. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in daytime conditions.
Flight Sequence
The 32-year-old pilot, who held a valid paragliding license issued in 2021 and had logged fewer than 20 flight hours, arrived at the takeoff area used for paragliders. Upon arrival, the pilot observed another paraglider flying overhead and decided to wait for better thermal conditions and calmer winds. After conditions improved, the pilot prepared the paraglider and performed a cross-start to lift the wing. Following a wing check, the pilot executed a takeoff into the wind.
Shortly after lift-off, the right wing section experienced a collapse but quickly regenerated to its normal shape. A few seconds later, the right half of the wing collapsed again, causing the paraglider to enter a rotating descent. The aircraft struck the terrain from an altitude of approximately 10 m. Due to the low height and limited time, the pilot did not deploy the emergency parachute.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained spinal injuries and was conscious after the impact, organizing his own rescue. The paraglider was not damaged in the accident.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at the time was Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with visibility exceeding 10 km. There were 5 to 7 octas of medium cloudiness with a trend toward dissipation. Wind was from the north to northwest at 5–8 m/s. According to the pilot, the wind at the takeoff area during the flight was northwest at 3–5 m/s with occasional gusts. Orographic turbulence was likely given the wind speed and terrain.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot possessed the necessary qualifications for the flight. However, his low flight experience likely led to an inadequate reaction after the first wing collapse. The paraglider, certified as an EN B class wing, was airworthy and had a valid permit. The manufacturer specifies this model for recreational and sport cross-country pilots with an annual flight time exceeding 50 hours, noting it requires active piloting and fast, precise control inputs.
Probable Cause
The main cause of the accident was wind gusts from orographic turbulence during takeoff, to which the pilot, given his experience, could not adequately react. Contributing to the accident was the choice of the Triple Seven Gliders Rook 3, which the manufacturer designates for more experienced pilots.
Safety Recommendations
The final report did not contain any safety recommendations.