On 2 June 2020, a pilot and sole occupant of a paramotortrike, consisting of a wing with a motorised trike, took off from a field in Didam. The pilot would make a flight together with another, experienced, pilot, each in his own paramotortrike. It was the pilot’s first flight as licensed pilot since he had obtained his licence a few days earlier.

Shortly after the pilot took-off, the weather circumstances suddenly changed strongly, with a sharp increase in wind and turbulence. The pilot lost control of the paramotortrike due to the sudden worsening of the weather conditions. He was unable to regain control and ended up in a spiral flight. During this spiral flight, the G-forces were so high that the pilot probably lost consciousness and the aircraft ultimately crashed. The pilot was fatally injured.

Investigation publication

Treat paramotor (trike) aviation as professionally as recreational aviation and related training

More accidents and incidents involving student and beginner paramotor pilots have occurred in the recent past. These incidents, and this accident, have shown that the training, both theoretical and practical, of paramotor (trike) pilots differs from the training of other pilots in recreational aviation. Paramotor (trike) pilots use the same airspace and must partly meet the same requirements as other pilots in recreational aviation. Both the training of student pilots and the operation of licensed pilots therefore require a professional approach.

The investigation also revealed that the judicial definition of a powered paraglider is not suitable for a paramotor trike and that a paramotor trike is not mentioned separately in aviation legislation. Paragliding has developed further over the years with the introduction of trikes, but the legislator has not actively followed this development. The result of this is that these paramotor trikes have been flown since approximately 2010 while no legal regulations exist for this form of aviation. Despite the fact that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has been aware of this for some time, no legislation has been implemented and flying without a license is tolerated.

Recommendations

Although paramotor (trike) aviation is often considered an air sport, it requires a professional approach by all those involved, as is the case with other forms of recreational aviation. Both the preparation and the execution of the flight deserve thorough attention in this approach. This starts with a uniform training whereby the necessary attention must be paid to theory and practice. The training of glider pilots can be taken as an example. Already licensed pilots of paramotor (trikes) must also be constantly aware of this. The Royal Netherlands Aeronautical Association (KNVvL) has a supporting role in this.

An adequate legal basis is also required to be able to perform aviation safely. This investigation has shown that there is no such basis for flying with paramotortrikes. In order to improve the safety of paramotor (trike) aviation, the Dutch Safety Board therefore makes the following recommendations:

To the Royal Netherlands Aeronautical Association (KNVvL):

  • Develop a uniform training course that pays extensive attention to the theoretical and practical elements of paramotor (trike) flying.
  • Ensure that licensed pilots are made aware of a professional approach to paramotor (trike) flying. Emphasize the need for thorough flight preparation.

To the Minister of Infrastructure and the Water Management:

  • Develop and implement the necessary regulations for flying paramotortrikes as soon as possible. Include that the undercarriage, engine and wing wing together form an aircraft which all must carry the same registration number.

Imagery

Paramotortrike<br />Bron foto: KNVvL

Investigation data

Theme Aviation

Investigation start date

Report publication date

Type Shortened Investigation

Status Completed

Phase Publication