What happened
On September 24, 2011, a pilot launched a Lucky 2-28 paraglider from the Zbyslavec takeoff site during the late afternoon. The flight was conducted in light easterly winds. During the flight, the pilot misjudged the impact of the weather conditions and the distance required to reach an open landing area, resulting in a landing into the canopy of a tree in a forested area near Žlebská Lhotka.
While the landing itself did not cause injuries, the pilot attempted to descend from the tree on his own. After disconnecting from the paraglider harness, the pilot attempted to climb down the tree trunk. During this descent, he fell from the tree, sustaining fatal injuries. The pilot's body was located by police search teams the following morning.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot, who was performing only his third flight of the year, was unable to reach a clear landing zone due to poor estimation of environmental factors. The investigation noted that the pilot's mobile phone was inaccessible at the time of the incident, as it was located in a backpack pocket and fell below the tree when the harness was disconnected from the canopy.
Medical findings, including abrasions on the limbs, supported the conclusion that the pilot was attempting to climb down the trunk when the fall occurred. Toxicological analysis revealed no presence of alcohol or other significant substances. The paraglider itself was found to be in a standard state of wear, though the canopy and lines sustained damage during the process of being removed from the tree.
Findings
- The pilot's misjudgment of weather conditions and landing distance led to the initial landing in the trees.
- The pilot attempted a solo descent from a height of approximately 15 meters without professional assistance.
- The pilot was unable to call for emergency services because his mobile phone was out of reach after the harness was disconnected.