Return to the incident list: Incident List Crash in to fence on takeoff. PPG Type: Foot Launch – Single Occupant Type of Injury: Major Injury

Pilot Details

Age: 44 Weight: 185 Gender: Male Highest rating held at the time of the incident: None Pilot experience level: 50+ hours

Gear Details

Wing Brand: Ozone Model: Spyder 3 Size: 26 Paramotor Frame: Mac Fly with Vittorazi Moster 185 Plus

Incident Details

May 6, 2025 7:20 AM Location of the incident: Sandlake, Oregon Type of Incident: Collision with terrain or ground obstacle

I was taking off around 7:30am at the SandLake parking lot. Winds where light and switchy. I launched in to what thought was a headwind, but the wind switched while i was attempting to take off extending the length that I needed to run to get off the ground, ultimately ending in me impacting a 6″ fence post and breaking my leg bones.  I hope that others can learn from this, I was much to confident in my takeoffs and landings and did not leave any room for error. I feel that it is very important now to assume the worst and have a mitigation plan.

Flight Window: Morning Wind Speed: Light Wind (1-5 mph) Type: Light and Variable Phase of Flight: Takeoff Type of Injury: Major Injury Collateral Damage: Property (building, vehicle, etc) Analysis of the incident (additional input by the incident investigation team): Photos (if available):

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