What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-07-26 involved a PAP 1400 R, at Loučovice, CZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to fly below the regulatory minimum altitude for VFR operations over a congested area, which led to an unavoidable collision with a data cable.

Paramotor collision with overhead cable in Loučovice

A paramotor pilot sustained serious injuries after flying at an unsafe altitude and striking a data cable stretched between buildings in the Czech Republic.

What happened

On July 26, 2011, at approximately 17:30 UTC, a PAP 1400 R powered paraglider was conducting a recreational flight from Schenkenfelden, Austria, toward the Lipno reservoir in the Czech Republic. The pilot was flying at a low altitude through a residential area in Loučovice, traveling from east to west between apartment buildings.

During the flight, a data cable was stretched between two buildings at a height of approximately 28 meters. The pilot, flying at a height lower than the surrounding structures, struck the cable with the leading edge of the Ozone Viper 2 24 canopy. The impact caused the canopy to collapse, leading to a crash onto a grassy area. The pilot landed on his feet and the left side of the airframe, sustaining serious injuries, including a pelvic fracture. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the frame, engine protection, and propeller.

The investigation

The ÚZPLN investigation examined the aircraft, the site of the accident, and witness testimonies. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure in the engine or the canopy prior to the collision. While the pilot initially claimed the accident was caused by an engine failure, the investigation determined the engine was likely functioning normally until the impact. Witnesses also noted that a bystander attempted to warn the pilot of the approaching obstacle, but the pilot did not react.

Findings

The pilot was flying below the minimum required altitude for VFR flights over congested areas, which mandates a height of at least 300 feet above the highest obstacle.
The pilot was unfamiliar with the local terrain and specific obstacles in the area.
The pilot's low altitude prevented a timely reaction or an emergency landing in the nearby open spaces.
The primary cause was the pilot's decision to fly below the minimum VFR altitude, resulting in the inability to avoid the data cable.

Safety action

The Czech Light Aircraft Association (LAA ČR) published a commentary and warning for ultralight pilots following the accident.
It is recommended that the Austrian Aero Club (ÖAeC) review the final report with the pilot and consider publishing guidelines regarding minimum flight altitudes when operating over Czech airspace.