Return to the incident list: Incident List Failed launch attempt – landed in middle of highwa PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 45 Weight: 235 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: MacPara Eden 3 (30 meter) Size: Paramotor Frame: Fresh Breeze Simonini – approximately 90 lbs with

Incident Details

October 14, 2009 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

Prior to launch, pilot had witnessed 3 separate helium balloon launches at the base of Monument Valley. Balloons up to the height of the mesa showed no signs of thermal or rotor activity at 8am. Other more experienced pilots expressed concern for the potential for rotor. Making a poor decision, pilot attempted a launch uphill towards the base of Gouldings Lodge on the runway. The pilot cleared the wooden fence by about 3′ and needed to turn to stay away from the cliff area due to the extended run. As the turn was initiated, a loss of altitude due to sink or rotor was encountered. At about 5′ AGL, pilot was dropped out of the air. The pilot landed on the edge of the road with the wing falling behind him and out of the road. When the pilot looked up, a vehicle had stopped approximately 50′ away on the road. Pilot got up and the only damage was two small tears in his flightsuit on the knees. Pilot (me) disregarded the concerns for rotor and sink and should have been flying a motor with a bit more power. Luckily, only my ego was bruised.

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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