A freak accident claimed the life of an experienced 48-year-old paraglider in the Western Cape on Saturday.
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The body was recovered in the mountains near the town of Wolseley on Sunday.
Speaking to News24, the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA), said that the pilot was conducting a solo cross-country flight on Saturday when the fatal incident occurred.
SAHPA spokesperson Louis Stanford said that the rescue was coordinated by the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC).
“The helicopter rescue team aboard the Kishugu UH60 Black Hawk, could not recover the body on Saturday evening due to a combination of difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions,” said Stanford. “The body was recovered on Sunday morning by South African Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS).”
Also read: Police seek assistance to notify deceased paraglider’s family
According to SAHPA, the reasons for the accident were unknown, with Stanford adding that the matter would be handed over to the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) for further investigation.
“This incident has been referred for further investigation [as] it would be inappropriate to speculate on the reasons for the accident.”
Meanwhile, Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that the Wolseley SAPS registered an inquest case, and anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
This incident comes after an experienced 47-year-old German pilot died from his injuries in a paragliding accident on Lion’s Head, last month.
The paraglider was found wedged between two large rocks in critical condition. He sustained severe head injuries and was stabilised before being placed on a stretcher and short-hauled from the scene.
The patient was airlifted by the Air Mercy Service (AMS) helicopter and transported to Groote Schuur Hospital.
Also read:
Emergency teams save paraglider who crashes into Lion’s Head
Picture: Unsplash
