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 afternoon, 25 November, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Lion’s Head/flowcomm/Wikimedia Commons
‘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.
Cape {town} Etc has reached out to WSAR for further details regarding the incident.
Article shared by Cape ETC
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