Incident Details

Pilot was taking off around 7:30am at the SandLake parking lot. Winds were light and switchy. Pilot launched into what he thought was a headwind, but the wind switched while attempting to take off, extending the length needed to run to get off the ground. This ultimately ended in impacting a 6-inch fence post and breaking leg bones. Pilot acknowledged being too confident in takeoffs/landings and not leaving room for error or having a mitigation plan.

Wind shift during takeoff run from headwind to tailwind/crosswind. Insufficient takeoff area margin. Pilot overconfidence and lack of contingency planning.

Broken leg bones (major injury)

Age 44, male, 185 lbs, 50+ hours experience, no USPPA rating

1.3 m/s

Light Wind (1-5 mph)

Morning flight window, light and variable winds

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)