For Immediate Release: 26 February 2023
Contact: Louis Stanford
Organisation: South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA)
Mobile: +27 79 1439009
Email: louis.stanford@gmail.com
Website: www.sahpa.co.za/press-releases
Paraglider pilot dies in accident near Wolseley
A paragliding pilot died of his injuries on Saturday evening (25th February 2023) on the mountainside near Wolseley in the Western Cape. The 48-year old pilot was an experienced instructor, and was conducting a solo cross-country flight. The reasons for the accident are unknown, and the matter will be handed over to the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) for further investigation.
The rescue was co-ordinated 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. The body was recovered on Sunday morning (26th February 2023) by South African Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS).
Louis Stanford, spokesperson for SAHPA, said that “Paragliding is a challenging and very rewarding sport, however it does have inherent risks. As this matter has been referred for further investigation, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the reasons for the accident.
He added “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the teams from ARCC, SAPS, Western Cape EMS and Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) for conducting the rescue and recovery in challenging conditions.”
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