Paragliding Wing Collapse at Dunlap, California

A sudden lateral gust causes a strong pendulum motion followed by a wing collapse shortly after launch while paragliding in Dunlap, California, almost resulting in an accident. In shock, the camera man stopped filming when the collapse started. The pilot, flying an Advance Alpha 3 wing, was way too close to the ground for comfort but recovered. Keep your distance from the ridge at Dunlap!

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Paragliding
• Paraglider
• Accident
• Wing
• Collapse
• Dunlap
• California

[0eden0]

Why did the vid finish just as the paraglider was about to have a full front collapse? We missed the best bit! :-(

[afwaibel]

Because he didn't want to film me dying!

[peterperu]

That's why only 500 people fly in Canada and only 5000 in all US ....Yes, far too dangerous for our fat,castrated, overinsured , society vs Europe with 40,000 pilots in France , 25,000 Germany, 13,000 Czech Republic etc. etc.

[Guenter1958]

No, elvira, nonsense. Keep in mind: Paragliding is a slow sport and you are rarely close to things you can smack your head against (namely the ground). There are so much more bike accidents; just do the check here on youtube and you'll see. Add to that the fact that bikers are rarely videotaped unlike paragliders...

BTW, I am a paragliding pilot and the CTO of a research company, so I do know a bit physics.

[mhatlie]

@afwaibel

But the accident is what the vid is supposed to be about.

[forgotaboutbre]

actually it's because Europe has better terrain

[shadowrunrpg]

also with a dhv 1 glider you need anti-collapse-skills.

fly a lot -> fly saver

[peanutbuttersly]

I think he was going for dynamic SAT.

[upnupnup]

elvira2262 , its not so bad its only as dangerous as you make it. 95% of accidents are due to pilot error wether it be poor judgement of weather conditions or just doing something thats above their skill level.

[Gonzorrr]

A risk? U saw one Video of a collapse and say this? If u got a little brain then u can think about what u say. Every sport is dangerous.

Im sure that u are a competent person to say that.

This guy is an absolute beginner and doesnt have a clue of what he does. He gets thermal or something from the right, then tries to change his direction again and ends in a totally wrong wingover.

[plimauro]

Sorry mate but you had all the advice to understand that wasn't a nice place to stay!!! there was a rotor not a gust! look your speed as soon as you take off and point left!! hope you're fine... watch out next time!