Return to the incident list: Incident List Water landing PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 31 Weight: 200 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: Size: Paramotor Frame: power gold 130 with

Incident Details

September 3, 2008 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

It was a beautiful day at the beach with picture perfect conditions. Winds were coming straight from the shore at about 8 mph. I had already done two perfect flights so I decided to do one more in order to practice my launches and landings. My instructor had to go so I decided to take off my helmet and fly with my earplugs. This was to be flight number 10 for me. After a long break I did my routine check of the glider, lines, engine, etc. Got my wind up in the air, nice and smooth, then turned around and ran as I throttled up. The launch was perfect. The beach is pretty wide so I was airborne long before I reached the shoreline. I stayed with throttle for a few more seconds as I climbed into the air. About 10 seconds after crossing the shoreline I realized I was wearing a cap on my head….. too late; as soon as I noticed, it flew right into the prop and shattered it completely. I lost power and the glider surged forward. I immediately turned 180 degrees back to the shore but I was too far and low and because of the sharp turn I lost altitude rapidly. I hit the water hard about 300 feet from the shore. I went straight down into the water totally submerged. My instructor had suggested I buy an Agama flotation system when I started the training which I thought was pertinent since I live near the coast and most of my flying will be near water. As I went under water I suddenly felt propelled back to the surface. The Agama worked. The automatic water landing system was activated just seconds after hitting the water. I was now floating on the water safe and sound. The waves brought me back to the shore where a lifeguard and two other pilots helped me get off the water. I didn’t have time to get nervous during the ordeal and knowing I had an Agama strapped to my unit gave me peace of mind. Later on that day it hit me; if I have not had the Agama, my chances of surviving the water landing would have been near zero. Money you spend in safety is money well spent. Fly safe!

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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