PPG pilot flying low (50 feet) above houses and Red River collided with powerlines and dropped into the river. Pilot survived without injury.
Powerline collision / Near Miss
High — very likely identified
PPG pilot was seen flying 50 feet above houses before the accident. Pilot flew low above the Red River before flying into powerlines and dropping into the river. The same pilot has been seen flying the river several times in the past and is unknown to the local PPG community.
Pilot error - flying at extremely low altitude over populated area and river with obstacles (powerlines). Reckless flying behavior with repeated low passes over the river.
Not deployed
water
July 8, 2025
20:27:00
United States
East Grand Forks, Minnesota
Trike
1.3 m/s
Light Wind (1-5 mph)
Steady / Laminar wind, evening flight
flew directly into powerlines while flying low above a river and pedestrian bridge PPG Type: Wheel Launch – Single Occupant Type of Injury: No Injury Pilot Details: Age: Weight: Gender: Highest rating held at the time of the incident: Unknown Pilot experience level: Unknown Gear Details: Wing Brand: Model: Size: Paramotor Frame: with Incident Details: July 8, 2025 8:27 PM Location of the incident: East Grand Forks, Minnesota Type of Incident: Collision with terrain or ground obstacle, Water Immersion, Pilot Error PPG pilot was seen flying 50 feet above houses before the accident. pilot flew low above the Red River before flying into powerlines and dropping into the river. The same pilot has been seen flying the river several times in the past and is unknown to the local PPG community. Flight Window: Evening Wind Speed: Light Wind (1-5 mph) Type: Steady / Laminar Phase of Flight: Cruise/In Flight Type of Injury: No Injury Collateral Damage: None Video: https://youtu.be/fK65A3s3u2k?si=RB7xW5XaKxrA-jWR