A 74-year-old paraglider probably lost effective control after being blown towards cloud in strong updrafts during a fatal flight on Lantau, the Air Accident Investigation Authority said. The pilot disappeared during the solo flight on 17 June 2024, was found after a mountain search that evening and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation found that cloud covered the mountain, with fog and low visibility at the time. Ground winds were assessed at force 4 to 5 and could briefly become stronger during thunderstorms. Once the paraglider was blown into cloud, the pilot lost the ground as a visual reference and was unable to control the aircraft effectively.
Video showed the pilot having difficulty stabilising the paraglider in the prevailing wind before take-off. Guidance cited in the report says paragliders should not launch when wind reaches force 5 or above, and the investigation considered the conditions unsuitable for the activity.
The report also found that the available evidence could not establish whether the pilot had enough experience to operate the EN-C paraglider involved, a type designed for advanced pilots. A vertical-speed instrument recorded 95 flights totalling 27.7 hours between July 2023 and June 2024, but his complete flight history, total hours and licence details could not be verified. An autopsy found multiple injuries consistent with impact against a hard surface such as the ground.
The investigation team recommended that the Hong Kong China Paragliding Association and International Paragliding Association urge all paragliding participants to carry out comprehensive risk assessments and reduce risks to the lowest level reasonably practicable before flying.