Return to the incident list: Incident List Deployed Reserve During Takeoff PPG Type: Foot Launch – Single Occupant Type of Injury: No Injury

Pilot Details

Age: 31 Weight: 260 Gender: Male Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Intermediate – PPG 2 Pilot experience level: Less than 10 hours

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Macpara Model: Charger2 Size: 34 Paramotor Frame: Gravity Defiant with

Incident Details

August 17, 2022 6:35 PM Location of the incident: Oregon, Wisconsin Type of Incident: Hard Landing, Pilot Error, Close Call

Upon takeoff the pilot accidentally hooked his thumb in the reserve handle instead of grabbing hold of the harness to get in the seat.  The reserve inflated and caused a forward stall resulting in a 30′ free fall.  Seconds before hitting the ground the reserve fully inflated and caught the pilot.  The pilot was fine but the frame sustained minor damage.  The chute was repacked, the pilot was trained to avoid deploying the chute, and a foot rest was fitted to the paramotor to assist with getting in the seat after takeoff.

Flight Window: Evening Wind Speed: Light Wind (1-5 mph) Type: Light and Variable Phase of Flight: Takeoff Type of Injury: No Injury Collateral Damage: None Analysis of the incident (additional input by the incident investigation team): Photos (if available): https://usppa.org/frm_file/aWQ6OTQ0NXxmaWxlbmFtZTpQWExfMjAyMjA4MTdfMjMzODM4MTY4LmpwZ3xzaXplOnRodW1ibmFpbA==

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