Accident Overview
On April 23, 2021, at approximately 1232 local time, a paramotor (powered paraglider) crashed on the beach outside the Guanhai Platform in Doulan Village, Donghe Township, Taitung County. The aircraft, an APCO THRUST HP S (serial 177821BA), sustained light repairable damage. The sole occupant, a 70-year-old male operator, suffered serious injuries requiring 15 days of hospitalization. No fire or fuel leakage occurred. The takeoff site was a grassy area adjacent to the platform, which is not a designated ultralight activity site, and the flight area was outside approved airspace.
Operator and Aircraft Status
The operator had over 20 years of paragliding experience but held no valid ultralight operator certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA). He was not a member of any authorized powered paragliding organization. The aircraft was assembled by the operator from purchased components and had no CAA inspection certificate. No maintenance or usage records were available. The operator reported that the paraglider had been stored for some time and that he had not flown this particular unit before; he intended only to ground-test it on the day of the accident.
Witness Accounts and Evidence
Witnesses reported hearing the engine running and seeing the operator perform a short takeoff run. One witness estimated the takeoff heading at about 80 degrees. The operator later claimed he did not start the engine and was lifted by wind, but three witnesses heard engine sounds, and post-accident engine testing on May 7, 2021, confirmed normal operation. The propeller blades exhibited low-speed impact damage consistent with a running engine. The aircraft was not equipped with any instruments or navigation devices.
Weather Conditions
Weather data from nearby stations indicated light winds (2–3 knots) with possible gusts up to 5 knots, wind direction 60–100 degrees. The accident occurred during the influence of Typhoon Surigae, which was located east of Taiwan. Unstable airflow was noted by witnesses, who described the wind as erratic and strong.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the paramotor was operating normally at the time of impact. The paraglider wing showed no pre-existing damage except one line that had been knotted after a previous fray. The aircraft had no mechanical failures. The probable cause identified was that the aircraft encountered unstable airflow during low-altitude flight, affecting its handling and stability. The operator, fearing being blown out to sea, attempted to steer using the paraglider lines and lost control, resulting in the crash. Additionally, the operation was conducted from an unauthorized site without proper licensing or aircraft certification.
Safety Recommendations
The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board issued recommendations to the CAA to review enforcement and legalization efforts for ultralight vehicles, and to the Taitung County Government to help identify and address illegal paragliding activities within its jurisdiction.