Paraglider pilot falls in Tyrol: wind gusts throws man against rocks

Paraglider pilot falls in Tyrol: wind gusts throws man against rocks

Melchboden, Hippach, Tirol, Österreich - Today, on May 31, 2025, a serious paraglider accident occurred in the Tyrolean region of Hippach. Around 2:40 p.m., a 51-year-old German pilot started departure on the Melchboden when sudden wind gusts gripped the paraglider. As a result, the umbrella folded in while the pilot was sitting in his strap, which led to a quick loss of height. The pilot crashed into a rock before the wind saw it again and it was thrown into the meadow area about 20 meters further. The exact severity of his injuries is currently unclear. He was immediately flown to the Schwaz district hospital with an emergency medical helicopter to be treated there. 5min.at reports that …

Just a few hours earlier, around 12:30 p.m., another paragliding pilot from the Bavarian district of Amberg-Sulzbach had a serious incident in the Tyrolean Wildschönau. The 62-year-old started from the Markbachjoch, but shortly after departure, there were difficulties that led to a rapid loss of height. He fell into a steep meadow from a height of about three meters, suffering serious injuries to the pool and on both legs. Rescue workers had to rescue the injured with a emergency helicopter using rope. He was also flown to a clinic in Innsbruck. krone.at reports that ...

safety aspects of paragliding

The incidents illustrate the risks of paragliding, a sport that requires demanding technical skills and a high degree of risk awareness. According to the German Hängegreiferverband (DHV), the risk of paragliding is comparable to alpinism and water sports. Pilots must be able to safely assess their skills and weather conditions. While fatal accidents in paragliding occur less frequently, injuries due to the lack of protective cockpits are more frequent risk.

An important aspect of security is to carry out a rescue parachute and the use of belts with protectors. The DHV works intensively with flight schools and aviation clubs to optimize the level of safety. Over 300 DHV flight sports clubs support the training and monitoring of pilots, whereby paragliding is considered safe, especially in calm weather conditions.

Nevertheless, carelessness and self -overestimation in the air can lead to critical situations, which is why many licensed pilots use the possibilities of caring for flying to be able to start more safely. These factors are crucial to ensure security in this popular air sport.