Return to the incident list: Incident List Pilot sustains severe knee injury attempting launch PPG Type: Foot Launch – Single Occupant Type of Injury: Major Injury

Pilot Details

Age: 74 Weight: 164 Gender: Male Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Intermediate – PPG 2 Pilot experience level: 50+ hours

Gear Details

Wing Brand: AirDesign Model: RamaFlex Size: Paramotor Frame: miniplane miniplane with Top80

Incident Details

August 11, 2022 7:30 PM Location of the incident: Edwardsville, Indiana Type of Incident: fall from about 3 ft

Wind was light and variable AND I noticed a gust as I was setting up. Kited a few times. Should have verified with anemometer that sufficient time since last strong gust had passed. Strong gust to me is any gust that is any of the following:  A. above 10 mph  B. more than 2 mph above avg recorded speed that is 6 or less.

I did not check. Wing inflated and I was about 3 ft above ground when gust from my 10 oclock lifted the right side, tilted me to my left and dropped me, carrying about 50 lbs, on my left leg. I failed to bend my knee. The knee buckled.

Waiting for another 30 minutes would have likely provided the safer, no gust environment.

Checking my anemometer would have reminded me of the danger.

Flight Window: Evening Wind Speed: Moderate Wind (5-9 mph) Type: Light and Variable Phase of Flight: Takeoff Type of Injury: Major Injury Collateral Damage: None Analysis of the incident (additional input by the incident investigation team): Photos (if available):

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