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A PILOT has been ordered to pay £8,000 after seriously injuring a man by hitting him with a paramotor aircraft.
David Soos, 64, from Goole, pleaded guilty to endangering a person after an investigation by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
He was also ordered to pay £8,000 in compensation to the victim for his injuries at Hull Magistrates’ Court on September 25.
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The court heard that Mr Soos was preparing his paramotor trike for flight in a farmer’s field on September 16, 2024, in Reedness when it suddenly accelerated towards a person.
A man in his 40s was 'on his bi-weekly walk through the fields' and was unable to jump clear - sustaining fractures to his tibia, fibula and ankle, which needed to be rebuilt by doctors using a surgical plate and 13 screws.
CAA prosecutor Deborah Baljit added that Soos was 'apologetic' and brought the victim to hospital.
Michael Macdonald, head of international safety and general aviation at the UK CAA, said: "This case highlights the potentially serious consequences of operating paramotors in a reckless or negligent manner.
"At the Civil Aviation Authority, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and will take enforcement action where alleged breaches of aviation regulations result in risk or harm to others.
"By prosecuting we are protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the high standards set for aviation safety in the UK."
Paramotor trikes do not require a pilot licence or airworthiness certification, but operators must still follow regulations, including minimum height and distance requirements and avoiding congested areas.
The CAA has published The Paramotor Code to guide pilots on safe and legal operation.