Accident Overview
On 10 September 2023, at approximately 11:21 UTC, the pilot of a FLOW Paragliders FUSION S paraglider took off from a launch area near Skalnaté pleso in the High Tatras, Slovakia. The flight was intended as a cross-country navigation along the main ridge of the High Tatras westward, with a planned return to the vicinity of the launch site. About one hour into the flight, while near Gerlachovský kotel (Gerlachov Basin), the right half of the canopy suddenly collapsed, causing the lines to twist. This resulted in a complete loss of control, as the brake lines became jammed due to the twist. The pilot was approximately 350 meters above the terrain at the time.
Emergency Response
The pilot attempted to deploy his emergency parachute. Video footage from another pilot shows that the parachute was thrown into free air but, within less than two seconds, became entangled with the paraglider lines before it could fully inflate. The glider entered an uncontrolled spiral descent until impact with the rocky terrain. Upon impact, the pilot's helmet was torn off, and he sustained severe head and spinal injuries. Rescue services were alerted by other pilots. A helicopter from VZZS ATE (Air Transport Europe) arrived, and a doctor and mountain rescuer were winched down. The pilot was found lifeless among the rocks.
Aircraft and Equipment
The paraglider was a FLOW Paragliders FUSION S, size S, manufactured in 2023 with serial number FUSRE221042. It carried no registration mark. It was certified as EN C category, described by the manufacturer as suitable for sport cross-country pilots requiring active piloting and precise inputs. The rescue parachute was an AIR VUISA SNOWFLAKE 105, last repacked on 11 January 2023, with a validity until 10 June 2023—92 days overdue at the time of the accident. The harness was a SUPAIR STRIKE 2 competition ultralight model, with the rescue parachute housed in a front container. Post-accident, the paraglider was found in good condition, with lines tangled and the rescue parachute stuck in them. The harness had been cut by rescuers and showed impact damage. The helmet had its crown attachments torn, indicating it was worn throughout the accident. A camera mount was attached to the helmet, but the camera was not recovered.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a 28-year-old Polish national holding a valid paragliding license issued in 2015. According to the xcontest database, he had logged 228 flight hours since 2021, with 117 hours and 53 minutes in 2023 (excluding the final flight).
Weather Conditions
Meteorological conditions at the time were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with visibility exceeding 10 kilometers. There were 3 to 5 oktas of medium cloud, with increasing cumuliform cloud cover, particularly over the High Tatras ridges, due to heating and ascending air on southern and southwestern slopes. Wind was from the south to southwest at 2–4 m/s. Conditions were conducive to thermal turbulence. The forecast and actual weather were suitable for flying in the area.
Accident Sequence
Based on witness statements, video footage, and GPS data, the accident occurred at approximately 12:24 UTC. The right canopy collapse happened unexpectedly in an area with strong thermal activity. The resulting line twist prevented the pilot from releasing the brake lines, causing an immediate rotation and descent. The pilot's deployment of the reserve parachute was not effective due to entanglement. The uncontrolled spiral continued until impact. The accident site was at coordinates N 49° 09' 08.10", E 20° 08' 30.60", in the Gerlachovský kotel basin, which is at an elevation of 2,010–2,140 m. The terrain consists of rocky scree.
Medical and Pathological Findings
Autopsy determined the cause of death as brain contusion with intracranial bleeding due to polytrauma. All injuries were vital and occurred during the accident. Toxicological analysis confirmed no alcohol, drugs, or medicinal substances in the pilot's system. No pre-existing disease was found that could have contributed to the accident.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Slovak Aviation and Maritime Investigation Authority. The investigative commission included Ing. Igor Benek and Ing. Róbert Grexa. No formal probable cause has been stated in the provided source.