Return to the incident list: Incident List Failed launch and impact on railroad tracks PPG Type: Type of Injury:

Pilot Details

Age: 57 Weight: 170 Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Pilot experience level:

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Model: Macpara Spice 22 (not rated) Size: Paramotor Frame: Fresh Breeze Simonini 122 with

Incident Details

April 19, 2012 Location of the incident: , Type of Incident:

Launch field is a 2 acre right triangle with 4′ high raised railroad bed on the east side diagonal leg. Launching on a trike from the corner opposite the railroad but heading towards the tracks in near calm winds and planned to curve the launch run to parallel the tracks for final launch. Inflation was normal and turn started as I approached the tracks. I believe that a wind gust may have occured at this point as I prematurely lifted off and wing immediately rotated into prevailing winds, taking me directly towards the tracks. Not enough altitude to clear the rise and rear left wheel snagged the first rail causing a roll onto the left side and impact between rails. Helmet saved most of my face, but nose and cheek were scraped. I put out my left hand to catch myself, breaking arm above wrist. Had some difficulty unlatching the center buckle with one bad hand but got free and pulled equipment off tracks as a train was heard in the distance. Train came through approx 4 minutes later. This was my 994th flight.

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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