What happened
On May 12, 2008, a powered paraglider (paramotor) bearing registration OK-JGB 76 crashed near the village of Topolná. The flight originated from a field near Spytihněv. While flying at an altitude of approximately 300 meters, the pilot entered a right-hand spiral dive. The aircraft remained in this tight rotation until it impacted the ground in an orchard. Witnesses observed that approximately one-third of the parachute canopy had partially collapsed during the descent. The impact resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot was qualified and medically fit to fly. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, characterized by clear skies, visibility exceeding 10 km, and calm winds.
Investigators examined the aircraft, a Rodeo 115 manufactured by Nirvana Systems, and found no mechanical failures in the canopy or the motor. However, the investigation revealed that the pilot was operating the aircraft with a Desire S canopy, which had been recently introduced to his flight repertoire. Records indicated the pilot had only a few hours of experience with this specific canopy. Furthermore, the total takeoff weight of the aircraft, including the pilot, fuel, and equipment, was approximately 119 kg, which exceeded the maximum takeoff weight limit of 110 kg specified for the Desire S canopy.
Findings
- The pilot initiated a sharp right-hand spiral dive, likely influenced by the reactive torque of the engine.
- The pilot lacked sufficient experience with the flight characteristics of the Desire S canopy, having previously flown a Trend 3-28 model which requires significantly higher control forces to maintain a spiral.
- The transition into the spiral with the new canopy was abrupt, involving a sudden increase in speed and descent rate.
- The pilot failed to recover from the spiral at a safe altitude, leading to the partial collapse of the canopy.
- The aircraft was being operated above the maximum takeoff weight limit for the specific canopy in use.
- The aircraft did not have a valid technical certificate, and no third-party liability insurance was in place.