Return to the incident list: Incident List Just after takeoff @15 feet encountered rotor and PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 56 Weight: 255 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: Large Size: Paramotor Frame: 300cc with

Incident Details

August 2, 2008 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

Steady wind from the West 8 mph, 6:30pm on a nice evening Pilot set up wing for West launch on the far East side of the field Wind changed – now coming from the NW by the end of setup/warm up Pilot had an extended run and did not get airborne right away. While running full speed the pilot turned NW (into wind) halfway through field, took off, and slowly climbed to 15′ and entered the zone that was downwind of the building. The wing surged in the rotor, pilot did not correct in time. Pilot descended quickly and landed hard sitting in his seat. Since he hurt his back we made him stay still until 911 arrived. Transported to hospital. Broken vert T12. Prognosis good

Factors: Pilot did not reset the wing when the wind changed to avoid rotor on launch Pilot decided to land on butt instead of feet that resulted in huge shock to backbone Mainframe bottom was crumpled and absorbed some of the force.

Damage: Pilot broke vert T12 in back (Can’t buy a new one of those…) Main frame will need to be replaced as the bottom is crushed. Propeller broke on impact and needs to be replaced The cage was not bent from the hit and remains round.

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):

Video (if available):
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