Releases 0127 APCO Powered Parachute Occurrence Investigation Report
On January 27, 2019, about 0705 AM, an ultra-light vehicle (powered parachute) with one operator on board, took off from SaiJian landing field at Pingtung County and crashed at Koushe riverbed of Gaushu Township, Pingtung County due to hitting an electric wire when flying at a low altitude. The operator sustained femur fracture injury and the vehicle was substantially damaged.
The final report was reviewed and approved by TTSB's 6th Council Meeting on December 6, 2019.
Conclusions
- This occurrence was caused by the vehicle hitting an electric wire when flying at a low altitude and crashed.
- The operator was not familiar with the Regulations on Ultra-light Vehicle nor the Ultra-light Vehicle Activity Guidance Book; the operator failed to obtain operating qualifications in accordance with the regulations on ultra-light vehicle; the vehicle did not pass inspection; the operator modified the vehicle and changed the engine without performing relevant adjustments which gave rise to the potential flight risks.
- The instructor did not confirm if the operator a member of the association in accordance with the regulations, nor the operator applied in accordance with the regulations for a learning certificated before learning to fly.
Transportation Safety Recommendation
To:Powered Paragliding Training Association, Republic of China
To advocate and require all members to understand and comply with content of the Regulations on Ultra-light Vehicle and Ultra-light Vehicle Activity Guidance Book, and require the training instructor to inform trainees of relevant regulations before the training courses.
To: Civil Aeronautics Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications
To advocate and require all members to understand and comply with content of the Regulations on Ultra-light Vehicle and Ultra-light Vehicle Activity Guidance Book, and require the training instructor to inform trainees of relevant regulations before the training courses.
The final report is in Chinese only and available for download at https://www.ttsb.gov.tw
Sherry Liu, Safety Investigator
Tel: 89127388-6286
Email:sherry@ttsb.gov.tw
Website: https://www.ttsb.gov.tw
