Return to the incident list: Incident List Encounter with Electrical Lines PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 72 Weight: 150 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: Eden 4 25 Size: Paramotor Frame: MiniPlane 115 with

Incident Details

June 7, 2009 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

Returning to land the pilot flew about 100′ parallel to the county road along which were a 43″ wire cattle fence & overhead electric wires. His intention was to land right next to his vehicle. Arriving at that location at about 15′ he started his turn away from the road toward the field in what had been a strong but steady wind. He was hit by a strong gust that blew him backwards toward the road. The pilot turned so as not to be going backward and the bottom of the cage/frame glanced off the top of the fence. The wing engaged two 27,000v power lines, swinging the load forward, then back & down, the pilot landing on his back. Killed the engine, unbuckled & got up. Power unit damage: minor prop tip damage that was repaired & the same unit flown the next day. Electric crew removed wing from the lines. Wing suffered 38 severed A & B lines requiring professional repair. Pilot error in that he was demonstrating the versatility of the PPG & was lazy & didn’t want to land far from his vehicle. Always allow for the possibility of a gust in stronger winds.

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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