Return to the incident list: Incident List 2nd wing [laying on ground] damaged on launch. PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 56 Weight: 183 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: NA Size: Paramotor Frame: NA with

Incident Details

May 24, 2009 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

This was gross pilot error. The turbulence generated by a fully throttled paramotor on launch was much more than expected. The pilot felt that there was adequate clearance to safely clear another paraglider in his launch path by flying over it. [Estimated vertical clearance was thought to be 2 to 3 feet.] The sickening sound of the wing on the ground being sucked into the revving motor was awful. There were 7 cells damaged on the top surface of the wing laying on the ground and a rib or two were damaged also. The launching pilot released the throttle immediately when the sound of the wing contacting the prop was heard but it was far too late.

Lesson learned: when launching stay far clear of other paragliders on the ground. A minimum of 10 feet of clearance is needed from other paragliders laying on the ground.

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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