Incident Details

Foot launch PPG was set up in empty soccer fields. Pre-flight inspection showed no issues. Upon takeoff, pilot observed trajectory was aimed at trees but space remained for immediate landing. Pilot released throttle to idle and began descent from approximately 20 feet AGL. Pilot flared at approximately 5 ft AGL per usual procedure, but descent did not slow with no observed wing response. Upon hard landing, pilot attempted to remain on feet instead of performing PLF, resulting in ruptured patellar tendon in both knees. Pilot was immediately removed from equipment and driven to hospital by witnesses. Equipment sustained no observable damage.

Multiple contributing factors: 1) Takeoff distance misjudged - wing set up at less than half available distance to avoid long walk from parking. 2) Unfamiliar landing zone - only second time at location, first time in north winds. 3) Ascent rate overestimated due to inexperience and comparing to previous flight in higher winds. 4) Sudden power drop to idle caused wing surge, increasing descent rate and making wing unresponsive to flare. 5) Brake toggle pressure released during power drop, further increasing surge. 6) Failed to perform PLF, attempted to stay on feet during landing.

Bilateral ruptured patellar tendons (both knees). Pilot attempted to remain on feet during hard landing instead of performing PLF. Despite bending knees to absorb impact, sufficient force was exerted while trying to remain standing to rupture patellar tendons in both knees. Pilot required immediate hospital transport.

Male, 29 years, 201 lbs, PPG2, <10 hours experience

1.3 m/s

Light and variable, 1-5 mph

Evening flight, light to no wind conditions

No thermal activity reported

=== https://usppa.org/incidents/entry/2520/ === Return to the incident list: Incident List Aborted takeoff from 20ft AGL, hard landing resulted in knee injury PPG Type: Foot Launch – Single Occupant Type of Injury: Major Injury Pilot Details Age: 29 Weight: 201 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: BGD Model: Magic Size: ML Paramotor Frame: Power2Fly Evo 8 with Vittorazi Moster 185 MY19 Incident Details October 11, 2025 7:21 PM Location of the incident: Plainwell, Michigan Type of Incident: Collision with terrain or ground obstacle, Hard Landing, Pilot Error Foot launch PPG was set up in empty soccer fields. Pre-flight inspection of wing and motor showed no issues. Upon takeoff, pilot observed trajectory was aimed at trees, but there was still enough space in front to immediately land on flat ground. Pilot immediately released throttle to idle and began descent– witnesses report descent began at approximately 20 feet AGL. Pilot flared at approximately 5 ft AGL per usual flight procedure, descent did not slow, no observed response from wing upon flare. Upon hard landing, pilot attempted to remain on feet instead of performing PLF (parachute landing fall), resulting in ruptured patellar tendon in both knees. Pilot was immediately removed from equipment and driven to nearest hospital by witnesses. Despite falling after hard landing, equipment sustained no observable damage. Lessons learned: 1. Takeoff distance was misjudged. Parking at soccer fields was on the north side of the property, as was the tree line (see map). Wing was set up at less than half of the available takeoff distance to avoid walking long distances between parking and wing. 2. Unfamiliar LZ. Pilot has taken off from this location only once before, taking off into West winds. Incident occurred while taking off into light north winds. There was no other pilot familiar with the area present during incident. 3. Ascent rate was overestimated due to inexperience. Logged GPS and altimerer data from a previous flight showed a quicker ascent rate due to higher winds. Incident occurred on a day with light to no wind. 4. Sudden power drop to idle caused surge in wing. Wing surged in front of pilot enough to cause increased descent rate. Wing was unresponsive to flare due to surge. 5. Pressure on brake toggles during takeoff was released upon sudden power drop, further increasing surge noted in item 4. 6. Failed to perform PLF upon hard landing. Pilot attempted to stay on feet during landing, resulting in injury. Though knees were bent to absorb impact, enough force was exerted in attempt to remain standing to rupture patellar tendons in both knees. Flight Window: Evening Wind Speed: Light Wind (1-5 mph) Type: Light and Variable Phase of Flight: Takeoff Type of Injury: Major Injury Collateral Damage: None Analysis of the incident (additional input by the incident investigation team): Photos (if available): https://usppa.org/frm_file/aWQ6MTc4NTJ8ZmlsZW5hbWU6MTAwMDAwMTIxNC5qcGd8c2l6ZTp0aHVtYm5haWw= Video (if available): Other Files (if available): Return to the incident list: Incident List