Return to the incident list: Incident List Runaway Engine PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 53 Weight: 220 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: N/A Size: Paramotor Frame: Black Devil with

Incident Details

April 3, 2006 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

Recently I installed a new throttle on a Black Devil engine. I also installed a new Walbro cable anchor (Part Number G1358) on the carburetor throttle lever. This type has a convenient set screw. The cable anchor is secured to the throttle lever with a tiny E-type circlip. The circlip must be completely inserted on the shank, or it will pop-off.

During initial testing (motor off) everything looked good–nice and smooth throttle movement. However, during power-on testing the cable anchor came off (circlip failure) and got wedged against the carburetor housing. The engine immediately went to full power! The force was truly shocking as the paramotor began to lift off the ground and FLY!!!

Fortunately, my instinct was to turn away from the motor with my arms and hands held against my chest. As the paramotor took off, I felt the frame smack my left shoulder. I watched in disbelief as the engine tumbled down the field, disintegrating before my eyes. Half of the prop landed 300 feet away. I checked everywhere for blood and missing body parts, but to my astonishment I was okay. No injuries! Later in the day someone found a pair of glasses with a broken lenses. Yes, they were mine. Don’t ask.

One thing I have always taught my students is to never put your hand inside the throttle strap when starting the engine on the ground. You could easily be yanked off your feet into the prop. I believe this small safety measure saved me from serious injury.

Lessons Learned:
1) Don’t work or test a paramotor when you’re tired. I was!
2) When making a modification to the engine, throttle, or carburetor, first strap the motor to a secure stand or tree before starting. I didn’t!
3) A small problem (example, circlip failure) can cause a huge catastrophic failure. I was complacent.
4) Know the dangers. Even an experienced pilot can loose a finger, hand, or face. The prop doesn’t care.

This was a huge wake-up call and a lesson I’ll never forget.

Flight Window: Wind Speed: Type: Phase of Flight: Type of Injury: Collateral Damage: Analysis of the incident (additional input by the incident investigation team): Photos (if available):

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