A report has been published on an accident in which a paraglider pilot was seriously injured near the Conor Pass in March 2024 (19/03/2024).
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) Ireland conducted a technical safety investigation but did not attribute any blame or liability.
The pilot launched from the top of Maughanablaghar Cliffs in light and variable conditions.
Video footage showed the canopy moving slightly ahead of him during launch.
As he jumped from the cliff edge, the canopy partially collapsed on the right-hand side, leading to a rapid turn in towards the cliff.
Although it reinflated, the pilot could not regain control and crashed directly into the cliff face.
He was not wearing a helmet at the time.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, he managed to raise the alarm.
In a night time operation, the Dingle Coast Guard unit reached the pilot on the cliff face, abseiled down, secured him, and lowered him to an ambulance.
He was taken to hospital for treatment and required a long recuperation period.
When recovered the next day, the canopy was in a generally good condition.
However, the manufacturer found it was old and told the investigators it should not have been flying.
The pilot had around 60 hours of flying experience since 2011 or 2012, had recently completed formal training, and described himself as a ‘confident novice’.
The AAIU noted low cloud, light winds and the pilot’s uncertainty about wind direction at the launch site.
It highlighted the value of formal guidance, maintenance, insurance, site briefings, and mentorship from experienced pilots for novice ones.
The investigation also noted the Irish Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association's (IHPA) comments on low-airtime pilots being most at risk from serious accidents.
