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Pilot Details

Age: Weight: 160 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: Edle power atlas Size: Paramotor Frame: Fresh Breeze airboss 122 with

Incident Details

November 8, 2008 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

I was on my first solo flight, launching on my first attempt. My flight pattern was four right turns to complete a circle bringing me flying back into the wind on final. From take off my throttle position was very choppy. Even after simulator training I was not prepared for the thrust factor pitching me then oscillating the wing. Every time I tried to throttle up oscillations would occur then I put my hands up throttle off to smooth out the flight. In this sequence I did not reach a safe altitude. I was on my third right turn when my motor quit due to the choke touching the frame and stalling the engine. I owe special thanks and possibly my life to my instructor Matt Conrad who was in my head the entire flight calmly guiding me into a final right turn back into the wind and commanding me to flair at the exact moment needed for a feather soft landing. Andy Ekstrom came over recognized and fix the problem (adjusted the carb. mounting away from the frame. I’ve had two more successful flights after that one and the motor runs great. Thanks Andy for your knowledge with Fresh Breeze, PPGing and filming the event. Thanks again to Matt for your ultra complete training and following the syllabus to the letter you are an awesome teacher, pilot, and friend. Lastly I can’t leave out Tim kaiser and the USPPA for introducing me to the Sky Rats of western New York. You guys made my dream a reality. Wes Erhardt

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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