Return to the incident list: Incident List Fall – Collision with Terrain PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 0 Weight: 155 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: Aeros, Vitamin 27m. DHV1 Size: Paramotor Frame: Iflyer with Top 80 Weight at take off 53 lb. with

Incident Details

January 1, 2006 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

After a long day of remodeling our bathroom I wanted to fly. That was my first mistake. My knees had been bothering me all day and I was tired.

I got to the sod farm about 7:00 pm and set up. The first thing I noticed was that the wind was nil to light but changing direction faster than I could rearrange the wing. I set up facing south and waited for the wind to come around. My first and second attempt failed to get the wing up so I let the trims out farther than I ever had. On my third attempt the wing came up just fine and I started my run.

After about 30 steps I had to make an adjustment so I stepped left and applied the right brake. I continued the run and when I reached my maximum running ability I applied brakes. I immediately lifted off the ground and swung to the right. I then swung back to the left and came in contact with the ground.

At this point I am not sure if my knee gave out or if I just fell and twisted my knee. In any case as soon as I realized I wasn’t flying I noticed parts flying about so I killed the motor. The next thing my senses discerned was the smell of gas so I unhooked as fast as possible. I went to stand up and discovered my left knee wouldn’t stay in gear. It kept jumping out of first.

I called for back up” my wife” on my cell phone and she came out to the field and helped load up my equipment. A quick stop at home and on to the hospital for X rays and a knee brace. Four weeks of therapy and another month or two before I can fly again.

Lessons learned, know your ability, always carry a phone, don’t fly alone if possible , don’t attempt to fly when overly tired and watch out for wing oscillation.

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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