Return to the incident list: Incident List Powerplant/Equipment Mmalfunction PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 30 Weight: 150 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: Unknown DHV 2 Size: Paramotor Frame: None – Free Flight Harness with

Incident Details

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

The experienced free flyer and tow operator was being towed by an experienced tow operator on a “scooter tow” system. After an uneventful launch and initial climbout, the weak link broke. He was at about 300-400′ AGL.

The pilot almost immediately pulled some brake then let up. The wing surged strongly and as it got way out in front of the pilot, the right side collapsed inducing a strong turn to the right. The pilot pulled his reserve at probably 200′ AGL which deployed quickly. As it happened the wing started re-inflating and was fully inflated by touchdown.

The pilot landed hard, did a parachute landing fall and got up right away. While it would seem that pilot error might have put him into the situation (not damping the surge), safety gear and knowing how to use it (reserve plus PLF familiarity) may have prevented it from being far worse.

Thanks to Gary Shoaff for shooting and supplying the footage used here. The following video is a HUGE file (9 MB) and should be downloaded to your computer before trying to watch it. Right click on it and select “Save Target As”. Video of incident.

See: http://www.usppa.local-dev/Incidents/2003_reports.htm

A full resolution version will be contained in the upcoming USPPA safety video.

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):
Other Files (if available):

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