Return to the incident list: Incident List Hard Landing-Running out of fuel PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 40 Weight: 250 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: Edel Power Atlas Size: Paramotor Frame: Fresh Breeze Monster with

Incident Details

March 19, 2007 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

I took off at 10AM from a sandy beach with winds around 9-12 from the southwest. At launch I had 3/4 tank of fuel. I had logged gas consumption from numerous flights so I knew I had over 2 hours airtime at cruise. At 1130 I checked my tank volume (with hand-held mirror) and noticed it was lower than expected so I made my way back to my windsock. I noticed variable changes in ground speed during flight so I was to pay close attention to my windsock as I flew low over my LZ. On my first pass I noted the windsock indicating a Northwest wind; a 90 degree change from my takeoff. So I went around for another check. On the second pass it indicated a Northeast wind, still around 9-12 mph. I decided to make my approaching from the South (over water) as the prevailing wind appeared to be from the north. I lined up for my approach but remained in my seated position. I ran out of fuel about 20 yards off shore. My assumption of wind direction was incorrect. The wind had shifted again (now from the South) which turned out to be both good and bad. I had just a few seconds to get into a hanging position and prepare for my flare. My ground speed was glide + 10 mph or so and I was rapidly decending downwind. I hit the ground pretty hard even after a full flare, right where the waves break on shore. The water there was about knee-deep. The wing and I fell forward, and the wing dragged me and motor up the beach, out of the breaking waves. I sat up on my knees and collapsed the inflated wing so it would drag me no further. I got out of my harness and unhooked my wing. That’s when I noticed my foot facing 90 degrees from where it should be. Luckily there were some Spring Breakers who helped with getting my gear to my vehicle. My lesson learned: Land it before you think you HAVE to.

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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