FLARE Mustache

03/09/2023 - DHV:
Accidents involving FLARE Mustache
In January and February there were two fatal accidents involving German paraglider pilots using the Flare Mustache.

In South Africa (Lions Head) an experienced paraglider attempted to take off in a very strong cross wind (> 40 km/h, gusts >50 km/h) (Moustache 22). He lost control of the aircraft while it was being pulled up and was thrown against a rock by the crosswind while he was still on the ground.
In Austria, an inexperienced paraglider pilot had initiated a steep spiral with his Mustache 18, which after a short time turned into a spiral dive and could no longer be recovered. The rescue parachute, which was deployed too late, no longer opened fully.

The DHV points out that the Mustache is not a paraglider. The device is (in the small sizes) a hybrid of kite and speed flyer. The sizes 18 and 22 can be seen as a hybrid of kite and paraglider. The manufacturer markets the aircraft as a "para kite". The control and speed regulation is very different from that of a paraglider. Handling requires intensive training. The reflex profile makes the cap very stable and dynamic. It also allows ground handling and take-offs in very strong winds because the pilot is only slightly leveraged. This characteristic can lead pilots to misjudge the force and speed of the wind and to exceed their own personal limits. (Article on Flare Mustache on Lu-glidz )

The Mustache has been strength tested according to the EN 926-1 standard. However, there is no type test according to the LTF or EN standards, because no flight tests have been carried out as part of a type test. The device may therefore not be used as an air sports device in Germany. The manufacturer points out in the manual and on the glider that flights in strong thermals and turbulent conditions should be avoided at all costs. The Mustache is designed for low soaring flights in laminar wind and for use as a speed flyer. High-altitude flights are not one of the intended uses by the manufacturer.

There are no flight tests carried out by a type inspection agency. The extreme flight behavior, collapses, stalls, spirals, etc. has therefore not been tested and can differ significantly from classic paragliders due to the design.