What happened
On October 22, 2016, at approximately 13:15 UTC, a paragliding session was taking place at the Malý Pěčín takeoff site near Dačice. A group of eleven paragliders had gathered to perform flights using a winch/releaser system. After several successful launches, a 49-year-old pilot prepared for his takeoff using an AXIS paragliding wing.
The launch proceeded using a vehicle-mounted winch. As the vehicle accelerated and the tension on the tow line increased to approximately 60 kg, the pilot successfully lifted off the ground. However, when the pilot reached an altitude of approximately 20 to 25 meters and roughly 200 to 250 meters of line had been released, the tow line snapped.
Following the breakage, the pilot attempted to brake the paraglider, pulling in approximately 50-60% of the brakes. This action caused the wing to collapse, resulting in an uncontrolled vertical descent. The pilot struck the ground with a force consistent with a fall from 15 to 20 meters, sustaining fatal injuries.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the tow line and the pilot's actions. Laboratory analysis of the broken line fragments revealed that the ends of the polyethylene (UHMW-PE) line were severed in a clean, perpendicular manner. The microscopic examination suggested that the break was not caused by simple tension alone, but rather by the simultaneous application of tension and contact with a hard, sharp object.
Testing confirmed that the tensile strength of the line (measured at approximately 2700 N) met the required safety standards for single-person paragliders. The investigation also examined the pilot's qualifications and the technical condition of the AXIS paragliding wing, finding the equipment to be in excellent condition and properly maintained.