19 August 2026
The South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) regrets to confirm that a 65-year-old male paraglider pilot lost his life following an accident in the Porterville area on Monday, 17 August 2026. The pilot’s next of kin have been informed.
The pilot was reported missing after failing to return from his flight on Monday afternoon. A Search and Rescue operation was subsequently initiated under the coordination of the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), with Western Cape Metro Emergency Medical Services leading the search effort.
The search continued into Monday evening before adverse weather conditions forced operations to be suspended. Search and Rescue teams resumed at first light on Tuesday morning, supported by ground, aerial and drone search resources. The pilot was located during the search on Tuesday and was unfortunately found deceased.
SAHPA wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the ARCC, Western Cape Metro EMS Rescue Teams, Western Cape EMS Drone Unit, SAPS Search and Rescue and Diving Unit, SAPS Air Wing, K9 Search and Rescue Association (K9SARA), AMS Helicopters, and all other emergency personnel and responders who supported the operation.
We also extend our particular thanks to the pilots and members of the paragliding community who volunteered their time, aircraft and local knowledge to assist with the search, and to Flyers Lodge in Porterville, which provided refreshments and support to search personnel and volunteers.
The professionalism, cooperation and willingness to assist demonstrated throughout the operation were deeply appreciated by SAHPA and the broader flying community.
The accident will be investigated by the Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID), in collaboration with SAHPA. In accordance with the confidentiality requirements applicable to aircraft accident and incident investigations under Part 12 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, SAHPA is limited in the information it may release and will not speculate on the circumstances or cause of the accident.
SAHPA extends its sincere condolences to the pilot’s family, friends and fellow pilots.
Issued by:
South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA)