Update: 27 Novemeber 2025
Jean Jacques Wallis has been officially identified as the paraglider killed in Tuesday’s (25 November) crash on Lion’s Head, with aviation authorities now examining what led to the fatal impact.
The confirmation comes from aviation representatives who noted that the 35-year-old world-renowned wingsuit pilot was test-flying a highly responsive Flare Moustache parakite when he collided with the mountainside.
An investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Incident Investigation Division is already underway as specialists gather footage, images, and technical details from anyone who witnessed the flight, according to SmileFM.
Wallis had taken off for a test run involving the hybrid parakite, which is a wing known for its fast response and strong-wind performance.
While it falls under the paragliding regulatory category, the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) explained that the parakite handles differently from the broader, more forgiving wings usually seen in training or tandem flying.
In a statement confirming the fatality, SAHPA extended condolences to the Wallis family and the wider aerial-sports community.
The group also restated its commitment to safety reporting, noting that all information shared with investigators will be dealt with under ‘Just Culture’ principles.
The Civil Aviation Authority’s investigation team has appealed for anyone with video, pictures, or other material of Tuesday’s flight to come forward.
Their probe will examine the flight path, equipment, weather conditions, and any mechanical or environmental factors that may have contributed to the crash.
Wallis’ death has left a deep mark on the global extreme-sports community with more than two decades in professional aerial disciplines, from skydiving stunts to speed flying, filming work, tandem jumps and high-level competitions, he was regarded as one of South Africa’s most accomplished pilots.
Most recently, he competed in the 11th WWL Grand Prix at Tianmen Mountain in China, where he claimed gold in the Target Strike event after scoring over 90 points on both flights.
He also secured a fourth-place finish in the Slalom Speed Race, adding to a long list of achievements in wingsuit flying, the discipline where a pilot glides horizontally using aerodynamic fabric between the arms and legs before deploying a parachute.
As aviation authorities piece together the final moments of Tuesday’s flight, both SAHPA and the AIID are urging the public to assist wherever possible.
The investigation remains active, with further updates expected once evidence has been reviewed.
The South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) confirmed that a licensed pilot and member was fatally injured after launching off Lion’s Head on Tuesday evening, 25 November, reports Cape {town} Etc.
‘The pilot was flying a Flare Moustache parakite, a new, highly responsive hybrid wing designed for strong-wind coastal soaring and speed-focused flying,’ SAHPA said in its statement.
‘Although considered part of the paragliding family in regulatory terms, parakites handle very differently from the larger wings used in conventional paragliding training or tandem operations.’
SAHPA expressed its deepest condolences, adding that it is cooperating fully with the Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The association is also urging the public to assist in the investigation.
‘Members of the public, pilots or witnesses who may have video, photographic or other evidence relevant to the event are urged to contact SAHPA or the AIID. Reports can be made in accordance with Part 140.02.1 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, which requires anyone with knowledge of an aviation accident, incident, or safety hazard to notify the Authority’ said SAHPA.
‘All information submitted will be handled confidentially and used solely to improve aviation safety…This approach recognises that most errors arise from human or systematic factors rather than wilful negligence. The aim is to learn from accidents and prevent future occurrences, not to assign blame.’
SAHPA can be contacted via [email protected] and AIID via [email protected].
According to community Facebook group The Atlantic Seaboard Community Forum admin, Peter Flentov, a Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) team was activated ‘almost immediately’ after the fatal accident occurred.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel confirmed that a rescue team was first notified of the incident just before 7pm before more than 30 WSAR team members, including SANParks and EMS members, responded to the incident.
‘Rescue teams constructed technical rope systems to carefully raise the deceased back up to the trail, before carrying his body down to a waiting vehicle,’ said Nel, who added that the operation was an extensive one.
The team stood down at 10:05pm, when the deceased was handed over to local authorities.
According to the SA Mountains Accidents Database, provided by Nel, there have been a total of 43 paragliding/hang gliding incidents in the Lion’s Head area since 2000, with 2024 seeing the highest number (6).
The fatal paragliding crash comes shortly after Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams were called to assist a series of hikers facing unanticipated challenges on Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain this past weekend.
In light of these incidents, Nel emphasised the importance of saving and sharing the correct Emergency Contact Number (021 937 0300) before venturing into the outdoors – regardless of your level of mountain expertise.
Also read:
Foreign hikers caught off guard in busy Table Mountain rescue weekend
Picture: Jean Jacques Wallis/ Instagram
