Incident Details

Edit
Minor
⚠️ Potentially Fatal
Takeoff

Control handle ingestion into propeller during climb-out at Rufforth, UK

During climb-out under power, pilot let go of right control handle instead of stowing it on keeper. Handle was drawn into propeller causing damage to propeller, control handle and control lines. Pilot landed safely without injury.

Incident Details

Wrong control input

Maximum — exactly determined

The pilot let go of the right control handle of their paraglider during climb-out under power, rather than stowing it on its keeper. The handle was drawn into the propeller, causing damage to the propeller, the control handle and control lines. The pilot was able to land without further incident.

Pilot failed to properly secure the right control handle on its keeper during climb-out. The loose handle was drawn into the propeller by airflow or propeller suction.

Not deployed

Date & Location

March 31, 2025

United Kingdom

Rufforth, York

Equipment

Footlaunch

Macfly

Moster185

Ozone

Freeride 2

Pilot & Flight

Male, Age 47, Rating: P, 24 years experience, 660 hours, 455 flights

Hardware

Hardware failure occurred

Contributing Factors

Low flight altitude

Pilot-Related Factors

Released / lost the brake toggle

Weather Conditions

1.4 m/s

0-5 km/h

Calm with light turbulence

Links & Media

BHPA Incident Report: Date: 31.03.2025 Location: Rufforth,, York,, UK Pilot: Male, Age 47 Rating: P Flying Experience: 24 years 660 hours 455 flights, Rating: P Flying Experience: 24 years 660 hours 455 flights, Experience: 24 years 660 hours 455 flights Wing: Ozone, Freeride 2 Launch Type: Powered Engine: Macfly, Moster185, Powered Engine: Macfly, Moster185 launch, Macfly, Moster185 Wind/Conditions: 0-5 km/h Conditions: Calm, Light Turbulence, Calm, Light Turbulence Summary: The pilot let go of the right control handle of their paraglider during climb-out under power, rather than stowing it on its keeper. The handle was drawn into the propeller, causing damage to the propeller, the control handle and control lines. The pilot was able to land without further incident. Injury: Pilot :

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