Paramotor Water Crash Ryan Irwin

While flying PPG around Folsom Lake watching the Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue helicopter train, I experienced engine failure and went down into the water.

[@jsnadrian]

Every person in this video is so cool .. the paramotor guy, the jetski guy, the guy jumping out of the helicopter, and the guy flying the helicopter. Really puts my bag of Doritos in perspective.

[@umdiadiferente]

Hahahahahahahahahahaha

[@drelliott2833]

Oh yeah??? Well your reply puts my wishing I had a bag of Doritos in perspective!~

[@raphaeloalves]

Hahahahahahahhahaah

[@RiflemanTV]

Hats off to him, he handled that emergency like he was ordering a sandwich at Subway.

[@mctobi2921]

Yeah becaus he even said it happend to him multiple times

[@ryanirwin601]

Big thanks to the Placer County Sheriffs Department! Great job guys!

[@briantotse3]

+ryan irwin I was going to ask how they got there so fast, then I saw the description. So did the guys you were watching see you go down, or did you have some sort of signal button you pressed as you were descending that alerted them?

[@ryanirwin601]

+briantotse3 na, just me hitting the water.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

And good job by you being very well prepared, and not drowning before they got to you.

[@richarddixon146]

actually he wasnt that prepared, he needed an LPU on him if he were to fly over water, what if he wasnt able to bail from his paramotor fast enough. he would have drown.

[@ryanirwin601]

Richard Dixon; Did you watch the video? I had the proper equivalent of a lpu. I have a redundant automatic water activated flotation system, meaning two separate "redundant" floats. how do you think my motor was floating? unstrapping is just extra-extra precaution.

[@2007TypeR]

This is a new reality TV advertisement for Samsung, dude was sending a text after landing in the water. LOL. That's mad splash-proof.

[@cowboy6591]

Screw the cell phone the 2 way radio was worth more $$$ and that sucker drowned. :-(

[@Moochewmoo]

cowboy6591 two ways are like 70 bucks on Amazon. You can get scanner/Ham hand helds for damn cheap. My brother and I use them when on call for EMS.

[@joeglennaz]

That model is 40 bucks on Amazon..

[@alishanmao]

wow that was a quickest rescue. great work by those guys. And you were fully prepared and acting by the book at every step. bravo :D

[@durango9595]

Saved yourself a trip to the dmv snatching your license out of the water lol

[@MrRoadliner113]

Very educational video. It shows how quick things can happen in the sky. Even being under stressful conditions you did a hell of a job. Glad to see you're ok and nice work by the Sheriffs Department. Have a great 2016!

[@BuzZzKiller]

This is my new favorite paramotor video! Even though it was published 3 years ago! I'm learning to fly in a few months, so I'm looking at all kinds of worst case scenario videos to see what people actually do in these situations.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

Half the Sheriffs department is still wondering where they got the budget to hire a stunt man to crash into the lake for them. ;-)

[@newdawnfades263]

I am super impressed at how quick you went through your ditch procedure! You literally had a few seconds to decide that you needed to unstrap yourself and you did the right thing of concentrating on that and not panicking or trying to save your radio!

[@GustavoSilva101]

You really wanted the heli ride instead of the jet skii's didn't you? XD

[@cnnw3929]

+Gustavo Silva I'd want the same thing too! LOL

[@durango9595]

An expensive decision

[@sanforce]

+durango9595 He said it was a complimentary ride, since they were already out there training.

[@mitchellmaytorena1137]

This was in the US, we don't have to pay for rescue here. Here's a link. content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1892621,00.html

[@HiddenWindshield]

+The Wanderer -- Were you not paying attention? In the US at least, they don't charge for search and rescue. Ever.

[@flexor212000]

"Are you floating? Can I hang on you?" rescuer: NO

[@BxCortez2050]

exaaaaaacly !!!

[@alien4fish]

LIKE A BOSS!!! Big thumbs up to the Sheriffs Dept. Dude they were there in like 30 seconds, I could hear them sayin they were watchin you fly and you were getting to close to the water so they started heading your way!! Nice way to stay focused and not panic!! So glad you are OK Thanks for sharing! im going to share this on my Facebook page

[@aviator]

Haters are going to hate. Ryan, this is a great video. Awesome safety protocol and a good learning experience for many. Thank you for sharing!

[@Pahrump]

AviatorShow but why did the license need to come out while you're floating in the water. Helicopter doesn't check ID for rescue.

[@kingbluucho3616]

AviatorShow ii

[@577buttfan]

Man Im tellin ya,he handled that like a fuckin boss!!!!

[@LoganAddisMusic]

The video should have been titled "how to get a free helicopter ride"

[@ryancrazy1]

wouldn't quite call submerging a $10k+ paramotor underwater "free"

[@ReX-Ray]

I’m not so sure that was a free heli ride. In a lot of states you can receive a bill for search and rescue. Not in every case, but if you were doing something deemed negligent, you could get a whopping bill in the mail for their services.

[@truthseek3017]

This is a badass video, the reaction speed after your engine out, the heli ride, the badass sheriffs.

[@RyanBaker007]

Wow, those guys were there immediately! Good thing they were out there training. And the amount of technology involved in this entire situation on both sides, the ppg and the sheriffs. Simply amazing.

[@AaronSpencer]

One of the greatest videos I've seen on KZbin. Incredible.

[@paramotorhead]

Ryan, thanks for uploading the vid,it should have made the news I'm just about to start PPG training so thought I'd see what mishaps can happen. Nicely handled and a great job by the rescuers.

[@NJ-Tech]

you got to play in way too many flying toys that day! I'm actually jealous :)

[@MrKalvinC]

Educationally I am really grateful you posted this. Emotionally - wow, you were really lucky that the helicopter was there and the jet ski guys. So glad you were safe. Hope the equipment did not get too damaged.

[@vicwiseman6038]

Haha, I was thinking to myself, this has to be Folsom Lake. I checked the description and sure enough, it is! I live near by and I saw these guys doing their training on the American River. Nice to know we have such a great rescue force :)

[@JRBKLYN718]

That's why when you fly above water you're supposed to be at a descent altitude that way if your engine gives out you have altitude & time to make adjustments and glide your way to land.

[@thierrymarcotte-naud3891]

Ok, so crashed in the water, lifted by the heli cable, heli ride to the shore. All this in less than 9 min!

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

He got lucky they were out there training and saw him go down.

[@cerberusairforce]

They were there training already luckily.

[@espido]

now dat's some VIP rescue

[@nic12344]

At least, you gave them a real good training!

[@pixamite1]

Way to keep a cool head Ryan and execute proper emergency procedures. Great job dude!

[@alphacharlie65ms]

That was some fast unhooking from the Paramotor before the crash.

[@577buttfan]

If I was flying over water i would unhook all my straps except one leg strap,my cobra buckles get jammed alot and I just wouldn't feel safe with all three latched.

[@cros1625]

"I wanna go on the helicopter" lmao. Good choice. Also I'm sure you made their day. Finally a rescue! Lol

[@rick15666]

that was my favorite part

[@Paulo_AMG]

Quick thinking and super fast response. Sheriff's Officers are very well trained. Congrats.

[@EvtheNev]

"Extraction complete, Returning to Mother Base" I just got done playing MGSV lol

[@michaelhubble]

Well if you're gonna have an engine out over water and go into the drink, there are worse places for it to happen. Very cool video. Glad you made it out safe.

[@thomasjohanthorsrud]

I fly paraglider myself (without engine) and i've always wondered what to do if i need to land in water. really cool to see you unbuckle and get ready for the water. I know i need to unbuckle when i know im going down in water. i see i need to take a dry sack with me and try to pack the phone into it before i go down in the water. maybe even a bit bigger dry sack to use as flotation if i need to swin for a while. good video!

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

This is a great video. Can't believe it didn't get more views! I have to wonder though, you mentioned in the video "not again" and told the guy you do this all the time with no problem BUT you also said last time you were out you also had an engine out. I guess I'm thinking maybe it wasn't the best idea to go low over water when you just had an engine out not long ago. At least you had the water flotation device and were well prepared. Good job getting unbuckled so quickly too! Thanks for sharing!

[@tuckernielson1]

Glad you're okay - That was quick thinking and it appears you did everything text book perfectly. Thanks for sharing as it helps me (and others) fly more safely. What Paramotor/Wing/Harness were you using? Plan on making any changes to your set-up after this incident? Again.. thanks for sharing.

[@ryanirwin601]

Tucker Nielson That was a Blackhawk 125 with a 25M Edge. I have since switched to a Nirvana Rodeo and Dudek Nucleon WRC. Love the new gear!

[@wowitskevin]

Ah Blackhawk... that explains it...

[@ODSTerrific]

Does that badass sheriffs department have any openings?

[@thierrymarcotte-naud3891]

What a way to get a free helicoptor tour, nicely done!!

[@chadgdry3938]

value added training... nice.. what about your rig?

[@ryanirwin601]

Paul Gdry Engine good, wing was stabbed 60+ times by the sheriff's department while they attempted to get it out of the water. Dave Jewell of Blue Sky PPG repaired it and it still flys to this day.

[@chadgdry3938]

ryan irwin what make/model is your gear? Why did it just quit, out of gas? I am trying to self educate on the gear right now, looking locally for folks to talk to. DC area

[@577buttfan]

WTF why would they stab it???? I would have drug it back slow on the jet skii.@@ryanirwin601

[@Giovanni_Zoino]

Floatations devices?? I guess they are not standard but great to have over water

[@Markcool2011]

+giozoino I'm pretty sure they're mandatory if you plan on flying anywhere near water.

[@Dan_Ohhh]

MarLap2000 one in ten people who crash in water drown so the best rule is to avoid flying over it altogether. If you are at a safe altitude to glide back to land then its okay but he was right over it doing search and rescue.

[@Nocturnes1984]

What if your main chute collapses and you have to use the reserve...above water

[@Nocturnes1984]

0:02 Hi Honey, its beautiful up here, I love my paramotor 6:24 Hi Honey, its beautiful up here, I love the helicopter! Honey: What?

[@chrislake557]

Regardless of what happened in flight. Great reactions before hitting the water!

[@ItzRetz]

That's the best training they could have gotten, a real world situation where they had to rescue someone. They should be thanking you for giving them a good scenario for their training, could really help them out in the future.

[@klyons217]

Flotation device pre-installed, and iPhone in waterproof case. Seems well prepared! Also, fully trained to undo straps right before hitting water, jump out when feet touch.

[@Champ7ACMan]

AWESOME video!!! Excellent execution of a forced water landing. I always wondered what the hell happens if one of those goes in the drink! Looks like you've practiced for the worst, and it paid off. Super glad you (and the rig) made it out safe!! Thanks for sharing!

[@Simplefng]

Champ7 PFD saved his ass. that's the yellow pouch. most have a water sensor that deploys the PFD on water contact.

[@ryanirwin601]

it's a 2BeSure Powerfloat.

[@MichaelThe-Pyro]

+ryan irwin what happened after the camera cut? did they drop you off there or fly you somewhere else?

[@ryanirwin601]

Michael The-Pyro the jet skiers brought me my phone, the sheriff's department boat pulled my rig out of the water, the park rangers gave me a ride back to my car, I loaded up my gear. a lot of great people pulled together to help a guy out.

[@CrMo4130]

What a bad ass video and experience. I hope you got your rig back safe and sound!

[@ryanirwin601]

The sheriffs department boat retrieved it. They couldn't figure out how to the the glider out of the water, so they took a knife to it. Engine's good though.

[@VigilanceTech]

@@ryanirwin601 sounds like they're not the sharpest tools in the shed. Bet you wish you'd have stayed and waited for the boat now, eh?

[@caddy272]

at least its a 2stroke. I am not sure how paramotors compare but I put my yz250 in a canal and had it up n running again in 2 hrs. pretty easy actually. also my buddy put his 2 week old banshee in the same canal the next yr. same situation had it running in 2 hrs. drain crank, replace plug, disconnect exhaust and drain, refill crank, start and run for 5 to 10, drain crank and replace oil a second time and your back on the track. both still work fine several yrs later. I dont know exactly how the paramotor system is set up though, or if the exhaust is packed or not. if it is it may need repacked or replaced.

[@goinhot1]

Awesome job Ryan for something you can't really train for!! Getting out of your belts that quick was very cool and you did everything right and fairly calm!! Just remember the old saying the further out the higher you go!! It's definitely not worth the $10K for new equipment to learn the hard way. I'm glad to see you spent the extra money on your LPU's, they just paid for their selves in equipment recovery!! Again great job and Fly safe!!

[@unknowndevice9528]

I really love the fact that there was a flotation device in that paramotor

[@MZ-bl6wg]

Has to be the world record for fastest rescue helicopter on site ever!!!

[@paramotorhilton8227]

Rescue in style :) Great video, glad your ok.

[@MonthlyFailsVideoResearch]

Dear Ryan Irwin, would it be possible to contact you regarding this fantastic video? I would love to discuss a permission to use this video if this is possible. Greetings!

[@Daddaug]

Way to keep your head. Great job getting yourself un-tethered before you hit the water.

[@MIGASHOORAY]

How much did they charge you for the chopper rescue?

[@ryanirwin601]

Complimentary.

[@toddwolfe]

Nice job handling the emergency

[@MZ-bl6wg]

Great training for the helo guys in a non life threatening actual scenario. Guy could have swam or had the jet ski pick him up that was there in seconds but it’s great training. God bless these Sheriff rescuers , my brother is the rescuer/ swimmer for his helictopter unit in Utah , sees a lot more action than I wish .

[@lindsaywootten9127]

Well handled but my concern is whether having a floatation device encourages some pilots to fly places they shouldn't e.g. low over a lake!

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

Losing a $10k -$20k paramount has a way of discouraging such behaviour unless they are rich.

[@Flies2FLL]

That's pretty impressive that your phone still worked.

[@cheddar2648]

+Flies2FLL better to ride in a law heli, paramed heli ride is like $50,000 or so

[@izzykingston1602]

Looked like a waterproof case, I could be wrong

[@aoibhinnomahony7712]

Flies2FLL I think it's a galaxy s6 it's waterproof

[@raskolnikov2089]

Nice of you to help with training.

[@VirtualSuperSoldier]

So what are the losses when something like this happens? Specifically, what's the cost breakdown. I'm interested in PPG and wanna know what I might be in for.

[@ryanirwin601]

Good chance there could be no cost. Though water isn't good for any of the gear.

[@bendetyomri]

Great job dealing with the situation, kudos!

[@vladen14]

Kinda surprised hus phone survived :D

[@reecegilbert8358]

I thought that was Folsom lake! I live by there and i was wondering if that was the lake.

[@kimber841]

Good thing you had Flotation! Glad you are ok brother!

[@petehodge3460]

Well you're not an idiot. You were prepared. Way to go. I especially like the floats on your device...

[@airwave2592]

Awesome video I had to watch it twice!

[@mikeborell2173]

You handled that like an absolute boss! Way to stay calm and think. Are you a pilot?

[@imjessegarrron]

This dude crashes a plane into water, kicks back and has the nerve to call someone other than 911.

[@a914freak]

What happened to your UHF radio? Did you have that tethered to you? That was the first thing you grabbed and you did something with it not sure what. Did you lose it?

[@ryanirwin601]

+Kyle Fegley Lost it.

[@Nigel-Mac]

+ryan irwin Wait, UHF? Why UHF? Does he mean VHF?

[@ryanirwin601]

+Nigel Mac vhf

[@Re_Kitty]

they are all dual band

[@Nigel-Mac]

??? uhh for paramotoring?

[@atomotron]

Well, a little flying, a little swimming - that's more you can hope for one ride.

[@cowboy6591]

Pilot showed allot of training in emergency water landing skills and was prepaired for it. How many times have we seen PPG pilots fly over water with no flotation devices. This dude was ready.

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

You even had a harness prepared for them, how considerate XD

[@KIDTAKO]

1:20 What the hell do you mean "NOT AGAIN"??? that sucks... wonder what motor?

[@ToyKingWonder]

Bravo for quick and steady action. Although I am unfamiliar with all this, to me as an onlooker, it looked like the many straps and cables and such were way too cumbersome. Gotta be a better way to strap in! You barely got out before hitting the water!

[@bobbyloomis1825]

I bet you don't use the fingerprint lock on your phone anymore.. cool video

[@dgods94]

Awesome! are you still flying PPG?

[@mktwatcher]

Was this a drill? I assume not but, you had help so fast. Unbuckling your harness was a very use of the limited time you had after the engine out. Good learning video, Thank you.

[@Georgehanes-GJH105775]

Lucky that it was so shallow, great preparation though from the time you noticed to the time of impact on the water.

[@Benzen4]

Both the helper and rescuee are very calm. The police SAR team was really cool.Are they only for rescue mission? A crew seems to be equiped with tactical gears. Thanks.

[@junaida.1542]

Lucky that all those people saw you go down and came for rescue. What motor were you using?

[@SuperSport1966]

Did they send a bill? I always wondered about that... I'm in Placerville, is there a club nearby that I can get into this sport? I've been wanting to try it for years. I LOVE flying anything... EDIT: Just read the other posts, NO CHARGE... Sorry...

[@ryanirwin601]

No bill because they were already there doing a training exercise. There are some local flying groups around Sacramento. You can get involved through Facebook, "Sacramento Powered Paragliding".

[@ToyKingWonder]

The other thing I don't understand is the air rescue. Was it because they didn't want to take a chance if you were injured? With all the jet skis around, one would think you could just hop on the back of one of those.

[@birdwing98]

The Sheriff's Aviation Unit will receive Federal funding for executing a rescue.

[@RedSky1895]

They were training in the area in the first place, they offered since they got to turn training into the real thing without any further danger to anyone - win win.

[@vampiresforesl]

Curious: why fly over water if engine failures are an inevitable occurrence in the sport? You fall into the water strapped to a 60+ pound deadweight, right?

[@RogerBarraud]

Nicely documented. I can actually feel the relief at about 07:20! :-)

[@airplaneramp]

Nice job! Do you carry a PLB now?

[@MrEvpatoria]

Hehe, the rescuer guy from the chopper has a GoPro mount on his red helmet. :) I guess he should have had a cam on there too... And why were the complicated lift and heli ride necessary again, with a jet ski right there?

[@jojojosmart1]

Convert to one point quick release harness- that thing will drown you if you don't react like you did or don't have the time.

[@HappyQuailsLC]

We're they really there as fast as it appeared? Was this a part of an event where they were already up or down the on call in that lot and looking out for someone to drop?

[@Borel-nv5bq]

Did the Sheriff department charge you?

[@RogerBarraud]

Do the floats keep the engine and harness from sinking?

[@Re_Kitty]

Was that baofeng still working being submerged in water??? I thought that model wasnt waterproof!

[@ryanirwin601]

The radio was lost to Davy Jones locker.

[@thenoobletlego]

Do you ever go out to Folsom Lake anymore? I'm about 5 minutes away, never seen a PPG out there.

[@ryanirwin601]

Todd ; occasionally. used to be out there all the time, but I've found closer spots to fly. once it warms up a little more and the wind calms, I'll be out there again.

[@ciarandanielis819]

How did you get your equipment back?

[@carlmcgee3602]

Good job staying cool under pressure.

[@heyitsbacon599]

All part of the impromptu training exercise .... right?

[@mahdiismael7896]

you are very lucky you have such a government. they are better than your parents. exactly like a guardian angels.

[@jokersf]

How was that helicopter there so quick....

[@RogerBarraud]

When did you deploy the floats?

[@spaghettibeans]

Did the baofeng survive?

[@B_M_F_710]

Does the FFA get involved when an incident like this occurs?

[@jcrif]

I've seen a couple of these and I'm starting to think flying over water ain't such a bright idea