Return to the incident list: Incident List Rotor Incident – Hill Flying – Life-Flight Needed PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 37 Weight: 130 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: Edel Power Atlas, Small Size: Paramotor Frame: HE-R120 with

Incident Details

March 19, 2008 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

This was the pilots first flight in over 6 months. Wind conditions were slightly gusty in the rual Arkansas valley area, blowing 5-10mph. Accident location is 1.5 miles south of Abbott, Arkansas, road intersection CR-71 & CR-210/CR-64. Take a look at http://tinyurl.com/2vqjyw click on “hybrid” and zoom-in. Ridge in question is due south of above mentioned intersection.

Witness pilot on the ground reports that accident Pilot took off from the valley, which is north of the hill ridge. Pilot flew below and against the north ridge. Wind above the hill was reported as south, 8G18mph. Pilot took some major collapses due to rotor, attempted to return to LZ but sustained another collapse then took approximately 2 riser twists, which locked the spiral/collapse. Pilot spiraled into the ground from 100-150ft.

Witness pilot was not able to reach the downed pilot due to a remote area (pasture encircled by a wide and deep creek). Witness phoned 911 and requested a Life-Flight Helicopter evacuation. Helicopter was able to land near the injured pilot and flew pilot to nearest hospital.

Injuries included concussion, pelvis broken in several places, and internal bruising. Pilot has been in the hospital for 6 nights, and will possibly be released in another week (mainly due to pelvic injuries).

Pilot owned a reserve, but chose not to wear it during that flight. Pilot was aware of the hazards of rotor, but “didn’t think it would happen to them…”.

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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