What happened
On January 27, 2019, at approximately 08:30, a powered paraglider (paramotor) was performing low-altitude flight maneuvers over the Koushe Riverbed in Pingtung County, Taiwan. The aircraft, an APCO LIFT EZ S with a Polini Thor 190 Light engine, was flying at an altitude of approximately 20 meters. During the flight, the front wheel of the aircraft struck overhead electrical wires spanning the river. The impact caused the pilot to lose control, leading the aircraft to tilt sharply to the right and crash into the riverbed. The pilot sustained serious injuries and required medical hospitalization.
The investigation
The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) conducted an examination of the wreckage and interviewed relevant parties. Physical inspection of the APCO LIFT EZ S revealed that the wooden propeller blades were fractured, and the propeller guard was deformed. However, the engine, fuel tank, and throttle control cables were found to be in normal working order, and the parachute canopy and lines showed no signs of structural failure or pre-existing damage.
Investigators also interviewed the pilot and flight instructors. The pilot, who had approximately two years of experience but lacked a valid ultralight vehicle operator certificate, stated he was practicing throttle control at low altitudes to avoid flying over residential areas. He noted that he had recently upgraded the engine to a more powerful model but was not yet accustomed to its specific handling characteristics. The instructor involved in the pilot's training admitted that the training provided was incomplete, covering only basic maneuvers and emergency procedures without adhering to formal certification requirements.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft striking overhead electrical wires during low-altitude flight.
- The pilot was operating the aircraft without the required ultralight vehicle operator certificate and had not joined a recognized flight organization.
- The aircraft had undergone unauthorized modifications, including the conversion to a trike configuration and the installation of a new, unverified engine, without undergoing necessary safety inspections or professional tuning.
- The instructor failed to ensure the pilot met the regulatory requirements for training and certification before commencing instruction.
Safety action
- The TTSB issued recommendations to the Chinese Taipei Powered Paragliding Association to ensure members understand and comply with ultralight vehicle management regulations and that instructors verify student eligibility before providing training.
- The TTSB recommended that the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) supervise the association to enforce adherence to safety manuals and regulatory compliance.