Incident Details

Anthony was flying a demo BGD Luna 3 (23m) for a video review. This was his second flight on the wing (first flight footage was corrupted). Approximately 10 minutes into the flight, he performed a full speed run with trimmers fully open and full speed bar engaged. During his second full speed run, the wing collapsed asymmetrically due to a deformation in the wing profile that was not detected during preflight or in-flight wing checks. The deformation was caused by either a tension knot or line misrouting that created an effect similar to applying brakes while at full speed on a reflex profile. From collapse to ground impact was approximately 4 seconds. He hit the ground at approximately 48 mph (77 km/h). The phone remained in his hand during impact, allowing him to immediately call 911. He remained conscious despite severe trauma.

Primary cause was an undetected tension knot or line misrouting that created a deformation in the wing profile. This deformation had minimal effect at normal trim speeds but became critical at full speed (trims out + speed bar). On reflex gliders at full speed, the angle of attack decreases exponentially and the wing profile changes significantly, transferring more load to the A's and B's. Any brake input (or effect similar to brake input) at this configuration makes the profile very unstable. The deformation effectively created a brake input effect on one side, causing the asymmetric collapse. Contributing factors: 1) Low altitude selection (85-100 ft) for high-risk maneuver left no time to recover, 2) No reserve parachute carried, 3) Phone in hand instead of hands on toggles/trimmers/rear risers ready to respond.

Broken back, broken neck, broken pelvis, destroyed/severely damaged right arm, concussion, heavy bleeding from arm requiring multiple bandage changes

YouTuber and paramotor enthusiast, father of 4 children, experienced pilot who regularly flew at low altitude

Calm conditions, suitable for flying

Video analysis by Tucker Gott investigating Anthony Vella's crash. Anthony was flying a BGD Luna 3 23m demo wing for a review video. On his second full speed run at approximately 85-100 feet altitude with trimmers fully open and full speed bar engaged, the wing suffered an asymmetric collapse. Investigation of footage revealed a deformation in the wing profile above the pilot's head that was not visible during preflight or in-flight checks. The deformation was likely caused by a tension knot or line misrouting. At full speed on a reflex wing, this deformation had the same effect as applying brakes, which is prohibited on the Luna 3 past trim position 5 and especially with speed bar. The collapse occurred about 10 minutes into the flight. From collapse to impact was approximately 4 seconds. Pilot hit ground at 48 mph. Pilot was not wearing a reserve parachute and had phone in hand instead of hands on controls. Suffered broken back, neck, pelvis, destroyed right arm, concussion, and heavy bleeding. Remained conscious and used phone to call 911. Tucker Gott later test-flew the same exact wing model and size at 1000-2000 feet with reserve parachute and experienced no issues, confirming the collapse was due to the line issue and not a design flaw in the wing.