Why do paragliders crash?

Today I’m launching a new series on FLIGHT SAFETY. In this episode you’ll learn the most common causes of paragliding accidents.
Accidents are unexpected, but they keep happening. Year after year the same mistakes are repeated. Why does this happen? We are human, so we make mistakes. We are flying an aircraft, so if it stops flying, we fall. We can’t see the wind, so it can surprise us. BUT ... we can be prepared!
For a more in-depth lesson about risk management, watch HOW TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, available in the free trial on
flywithgreg.com/programs/avoi...
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#paraglidingaccidents #paraglidercrash #flywithgreg

[@TheMagicboomerang]

flying paragliders since 1985 ( flying world cup competitions untill 1995) and after plenty of accindents with poor skill and bad gliders, I divide accidents in only three boxes: 1. lacking skills 2. lacking attention (this happens mostly to well experienced pilot) 3. (too )much wind. Much wind is mostly the cause for many following problems: during take off, in the air, during the landing. Thank you Greg for this great stuff. Kepp up your good work!

[@mathiasj9424]

Greg, just hit my 20th flight today! I just started a few weeks ago and I can't express how grateful I am to have been introduced to you through your videos, and for all of your sage advice. Someday I would very much like to meet you, but just knowing that I'm sharing the sky with you, even if it is many thousands of miles away, is an awesome feeling. Stay safe! And thank you for the video!

[@kimkeam2094]

I applaud your efforts to educate and not be critical of individual errors and mistakes. I have a golden rule, which I nearly learned the hard way in my early flying days. I was in formation with an experienced pilot after we had an extensive briefing on the ground and was confident we had worked out hand signals relating to turns, landing and break away. During the flight I signalled to turn to the new course, got a wave of acknowledgement and commenced to change heading. To my shock I ended up just below the other pilot who had continued the original heading and narrowly missed a midair collision. My rule is treat every other pilot as an idiot that can hurt you and be prepared with an assumption that you must have an escape plan if they do the wrong thing! That rule has saved me a few times.

[@NachoWilde]

Thank you Greg for the video. I once had an incident in Iquique Chile. The wind was to strong and it took me up the hill and I started flying with a full twist and landed at the other side of the hill with sotavento. Nothing happend but a scratch on my knees. But my friend when he saw I could not control the wing, he was shouting me to leave one brake, but I could not hear him. After I saw your video of control on strong wind conditions Ive learned a lot. I think that sometimes we learn in the hard way. Thank you for your video Greg!

[@mistergee22]

Thanks Greg - love your work. It often feels like you are talking to me directly in your videos. Well this time you were! I was that pilot who screwed up trying to kite back up the hill. I have 4 breaks in my lower leg but am on the mend now. What happened was a lot more complex than the BHGA report suggests. I had a head camera running to record my error, but fundamenatlly if you are going to kite up a steep hill, always be prepared for inadvertant takeoff. I wasnt!! I'm paying the price. Coincidentally, I'm also now paying the price for a subscription to your website! Keep up the great work.

[@FlyWithGreg]

Wow, thanks Mr G, and I hope you know I wasn't critcising your responses ... rather, preparing pilots from your example. There are always unique factors in an accident that don't make the reports, that's the Surprise! element. Would you be willing to share your video for analysis on this channel? I promise to be kind ;-)

[@Larzemensch]

Head camera’s can also be a big factor of surprise.... Try one on your cockpit or on the side of your helmet, attached with a bit of velcro, so it easily comes of in case a line catches it. I wish you a quick recovery.

[@martinhorsman1547]

Great to learn from your openness Mr G, much appreciated; it can't be easy re-living it. Your accident has been discussed in lots of forums, especially due to its timing, during one of the first days' flying after lock down, in which all pilots (and the general public and press) had heightened awareness of restarting flying (and outdoor activities generally). Any further analysis would be highly useful, especially to pilots seeking to safely build safe practices.

[@huepix]

The 1st lesson my instructor gave me was, if you are ground handling, do everything as if you are going to fly. Fullyborepare and do a full flight check. Forgetting the helmet is a classic mistake I've made. 2wice.

[@andersborum9267]

These reflective series are really great Greg; please keep them coming.

[@ppgbobfather9919]

Excellent kick off and fundamentals to better decision making ... preparation for the surprises. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@FlyWithGreg]

Thanks Bob! Stay safe (and unsurprised)...

[@NsShadid]

Thanks Greg, I appreciate your time and effort making these videos. After flying in all continents with many hrs to count, and experiencing the most amazing flights from Nepal, to British Columbia to Australia and South Africa, I decided to stop my paragliding adventures after my first child was born. I still have all my gear, and everytime i pass the glider, my heart twitch. I want to fly, i want to hike the Rockies (where i live) and go fly and explore. But i feel my style of flying needs adjustments and improvements. I love your videos as I feel we need more of you in the paragliding World. From my modest experience, there are indeed may instructors that may be great pilots but not necessarily great teachers. For me, I learned the best tips through the hard way (some minor fractures and crazy close calls) but survived nonetheless. I am looking forward to flying again, but at this time, I'ld rather wait a bit. Thank you kindly for your work and I appreciate your dedication. Please keep up the great effort.

[@jphdxb]

And I can't get enough of your videos Greg! Keep them coming

[@TheflyingViolinist]

Excited for future tips and incident analysis :) Thanks !

[@KingsleyBrown79]

Hey Greg I've just recently found your page. The tips are great and very helpful for a new pilot. So thanks from a fellow South African

[@hubertlubanski1]

Excellent video Greg,keep them coming.

[@billwing7374]

Thanks, you are very kind to share your knowledge with us. I feel like a pilot can’t get enough of good advice. 🙏

[@skywords]

Nice! Tanks Greg! Just what I needed.

[@FlyWithGreg]

I hope you get mostly nice surprises (like thermals) :-)

[@Hemersonr]

Awesome.... surprise is a key element on accidents... usually videos give us a partial view of the incident... situation awareness is another key element... thanks Greg

[@FlyWithGreg]

Yeah, totally, he says ... walking into the hedgerow while answering a youtube comment on his phone ;-)

[@mgalloz]

Well done Greg👍

[@robertomirelman6295]

Accident reports, although nasty, are the first thing I read on the monthly Skywings (BHPA's). I am eager to hear about to be prepared to avoid them. Keep on!

[@ripmanridin7092]

Great info once again! Thanks for making me become a safer pilot!!

[@Murmur2k]

Really good video Greg

[@action-nerd]

I appreciate the 'don't lose your confidence watching poorly analysed crash videos on KZbin'. Looking forward to your course videos.

[@BariFPV]

Awesome video Greg!

[@susannewilliams]

This is so good. I am actually emotionally moved, because this info is so much increasing my freedom. I love the 5 step Aaaaahhh method for fear as well. Step 1. Say out loud. “Aaaaah, look! I’m afraid!” (aaaaaah makes you breathe out, holding your breath when nervous is normal and makes it much worse. ) Step 2. Out loud: “Aaaaahhhh What exactly am I afraid of?” Step 3: Aaaah I am safe? Check for physical danger. Gear Ok, weather ok, terrain ok are other pilots around, are they looking relaxed? Step 4: Aaaaahhhh, I know! - Take a physical measure, to reduce intensity. Anything. Fly a little further from the terrain, whatever. Step 5: Aaaaahhhhh , that’s better! Itake 7 long slow outbreaths with Aaaaahhhhhhh. Return to alert enjoyment and situational awareness

[@RomanDoro]

Thanks Greg. It's always a pleasure to watch you videos. I had almost an accident soaring in Tenerife February this year. Just one wrong decision and I lost the height with almost no chance to land safely because of the labs, cars and palms... But I was lucky and made it. Just ONE wrong decision... I have a video of it (it is also shared on KZbin if youwant), so I had analyzed my mistake and won't do them again (hopefully)...

[@FlyWithGreg]

Thanks Roman, I'll look it up.. are you happy for me to use your footage in an analysis video?

[@RomanDoro]

@@FlyWithGreg absolutely, feel free to use the video as you wish. Excited to hear a feedback. The video is called "Palm landing" in my channel. Best wishes...

[@RomanDoro]

@@FlyWithGreg P.S. in case you find it useful, I can share the full video of that 6 minutes flight... Just let me know if please... thanks.

[@crimsonraen]

Thanks for the video, Greg! :) Make good choices, and expect the unexpected! :)

[@MrRyan83]

Love these videos!

[@georgebirchenough3867]

Thanks for this! I would like some advice on how to approach a crowded landing area. I once panicked on approach to the small landing patch at Malcesine, Lake Garda. I just was not used to being anywhere near that close to other pilots near the ground, so I panicked and swooped in ahead, overshot the landing. It was entertaining for the pilots having their sunset beer when I landed in waste deep water 10 metres upwind of the grass. But it certainly knocked my confidence. Any tips on flying in a new spot, crowded landing, etc?

[@hondamonkeytv4138]

I just had to pause at 3:00 to say that pizza needs another 8-12 minutes in the oven. And now... on with the show!

[@Highfiveflyer]

he's a paraglider, not a chef.

[@jesseissorude]

did he just... salt his pizza? ok, I'm learning about paragliding from a psychopath

[@Infinitywalker74]

Thanks Greg !!!

[@billyvosnakis6313]

Great Video Greg 🪂😃

[@TheFreeLandersGuide]

Low tow line failure, or the dynamics of towed launches in different conditions/ cross wind, thermic lift, lockout. Newer pilots can be unaware of things they don't know, while experienced pilots can get caught off guard in fast action situations. It's never to low to throw. Cheers, J

[@gotravelbug]

Love this technique

[@njorogekamau3820]

Thanks man

[@jjwilde69]

Day after watching this I got lifted and flew backwards down a rocky ridge. Luckily the advice of just do nothing worked and I flew off the hill and span round. Though the headcam of the rocks flying by backwards tells me it could have gone worse. Thanks for the videos they're really helping my flying. Though I seem to be getting more nervous the more I fly after having a few unpredicted events. Last week I was getting sucked into a cloud when I wasn't trying too. Big Ears and bar got me down but I needed a drink when I got down. Maybe the more I do it will get easier and less nerve wracking. I'm hoping anyways. 😂🤞🤞

[@ovelukasflaksesen8718]

Nice video! What song is it in the beginning? Captivating tune:-)

[@gregggoldstein3449]

In Alaska planes are the only ticket into Nome. And pilots used to crash before arrival as it is sometimes difficult to judge altitude with one’s own eyes, but a new navigational system is emerging more superior than radar especially when a fog can roll in unexpectedly sometimes the lift required is much higher up than the pilot can quickly respond to, othertimes getting tangled in the rigging and wearing baggy apparel. I have never taken up the sport. I recently saw samples from a new Mission Impossible action movie where Tom Cruize does his own stunts with Speed Flying. Where every thing must be done flawlessly. Very enguaging menuevers.

[@SteveShovlar]

Pizza could have done with a few more mins! Seriously good video Greg.👍

[@FlyWithGreg]

Yeah sorry that was a real budget pizza, cooking is not my forte! If you want a really long video on those slices of risk there's one on flywithgreg

[@JamesDownes]

That the first thing that caught me off guard, wasn't ready for floppy pizza. Thanks Greg, I'm brand new to PG and you are helping me understand, is there an archive where I can be guided from step 1 and on to learn kiting and getting proficient before my first flight.

[@whatthehaps]

Blledin 'el Greg! U could've spread out the chillis a bit better😂

[@dwilliamson8539]

Sometimes it's been just because a P/G above has had a collapse and falls down on to the P/G below. It has happened with fatal consequences. If you did a pie chart for hangliding accidents, you might find that the collapses section would be a smaller proportion. I did once invert a hanglider, doing aerobatics but I was able to get it right way up again and not have to throw a reserve, as I'd talked through what to do in such a situation.

[@MikeGearon]

Agreed. Longer in the oven. Way longer. Now back to the video. Good job Greg. I’m in Taiwan 3 days after a fairly bad take off crash. Nursing bruised legs and ribs after being told by the “coach” to take off. Reality was the wind was almost non existent. Take off area of about 25ft. Went some 50ft and thought I’d skim the grass of steep slope as it approached. Turned out to be those cutting type rushes covering the 5ft left of a tree. In a do over I’d go home. Conditions were end of day and hazy. Very little thermal energy available. However, what to do dropping toward the tree? I’d have braked with the benefit of knowing a tree was there. Maybe I had time to throw the reserve. That would possibly have softened the tree hit and certainly wouldn’t have been a cause of problems. I fly aircraft and always have a plan. “If the engine drops out just after take off land out to 30 degrees either side of straight ahead” I didn’t have a reserve throw or plunge pretty much straight down plan at all. Surprised as you say! Second set of rib problems. First was a take off in turbulent conditions with coach tandem. We crashed back down. 3 weeks of painful breathing with 2 cracked ribs. This time 3 days later and pain is easing. Just bruised. I’m definitely going to do own risk assessment in future and won’t fly if conditions aren’t right. Running out of ribs to damage,

[@gargantuanz9390]

Talk about rotor accidents. Rotor got me real bad on a windy day.

[@FlyWithGreg]

Yup, coming up in the 'rotor' episode.

[@parasportz]

Excellent topic and confidence inspiring. Why is it that accidents aren't discussed more openly so all can learn? I know of highly experienced pilots who have been killed. Maybe it's pilot error? You might even know one or two of them, Greg. I fly paramotors predominantly but still live free flying and both styles of wing cause accidents and fatalities.

[@FlyWithGreg]

the problem with open discussion is the internet can be a harsh place to talk about sensitive topics, or actions that might have legal consequences. So I'll be really careful to talk in principles here, not specific judgements of who was right/wrong. Fatalaties are usually asymetric collapse->spiral->ground. I'll discuss that one in a special episode for sure.

[@thomasoneill9253]

Can you rewiew; Swing Nyos Rast? The canopy is divided crossways with panels that control the airflow inside the cells. There is a “RAST wall” about one-third of the way from the leading edge. In the event of a collapse, the front of the wing collapses but it’s harder to collapse the back of the wing.

[@EggchaserNZ]

Safety first! good move boet!

[@valentinparapente7933]

Super cool

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Flying a wing with a Performance Factor you're not Qualified for... Making the WRONG decision when something happens cuz of Panic... Fly an "A" wing... When something drastic happens put your hands up and take a breath!... Lol Good stuff, thanks for posting

[@FlyWithGreg]

I think flying an A wing would get rid of about 20% of accidents maximum. The rest has a lot to do with pilot decisions...

[@dwightbernheimer331]

@@FlyWithGreg EXACTLY!!! That was my East Coast USA attempt at Subtle Humor... Bad Decisions worse than No Decisions Lol

[@drspastic]

lol, i tried to learn on a crosscountry wing bhv3+ soon downgraded to a bhv1-2

[@huepix]

I gotta say, i find my mid b safer in that it turns betterband is more responsive. The A wing I learned on was very stable, but doing 360°s if would turn until the wind was at my back and then it tended to try and straighten up. I would have to really work the brake to reinitiate the turn. Quite an unpleasant feeling even with plenty of separation from the terrain. But going to a C is also a big step as the controls are far more responsive. Just last month I watched a mate take off on his new mid C and had an asymmetrical collapse which he foolishly tried to "jerk" out with the brake line instead of simply going hands up and getting away from the terrain. Had a full collapse and spun before the wing recovered. Terrifying to watch.

[@suhailmahedavi2204]

Hi Greg. I am only a couple of flights into the sport. Is it okay to let the arms weigh on the brakes during hands up flying? Or do the brakes have to be completely released?

[@huepix]

Depends on how how much brake you apply when allowing your hands to hang. The idea us to fly "minimal sink" which has slight brake pressure. You will have to work this out yourself as everyone has slightly different physical attributes and each wing model has its own characteristics. Slight pressure is good. Hands up is generally the best in the case of a collapse, but, ideally, do an SIV course to practice reacting to problematic incidents.

[@CoIoneIPanic]

Nick Neynes was definitely surprised and he suffered a wing collapse (probably) that made him paralyzed. But Nick Neynes is one of the most accomplished and experienced paragliders in the world. He has flown on multiple continents and flown competitively. His video shows him flying in normal conditions in an area he had flown before. He wasn't flying dangerously, he was actively flying. And yet he fell on a ridge and broke his spine . Nick Neynes says he always knew of the risk for such an outcome and was safety conscious to avoid it but ultimately when you depend on the wind to support you it will fail you. If you paraglide long enough you will have an accident and it might be serious. Yes you might avoid that outcome with precaution, learning and practice but even that is not enough. Paragliding puts you in a predicament from the moment you leave earth to the point where you can safely deploy your reserve parachute. In between those points no one and nothing can help you if the wind fails you. And if you are still reading this you wont be stopped from continuing to paraglide. But remember, crashes are inevitable.

[@damirm3581]

Hi Greg, my friend had accident during landing aproach. Now he is in hospital with spinal injuries. Do you wish to analyze video from my camera. I am watch and record above him Now we need to know what is wrong hapened. How can I send you video? Is it we transer acepted to you?Thanks!

[@1080pixel]

Hey Greg What is your opinion about flying a A wing compared to a D wing (in a safety point of view)? Do they still give you any extra margins as you progress your skills or are the safety benefits decreasing with the increase of skills? May it even be saver to fly a D wing as a experienced pilot? And why are you flying a D wing... because you can accept the extra risks and compensate them with risk management? I would really apprechiate your thinkings about that, from your point of view as a safety-conscious pilot flying a D wing. I'm most interested about collapses, not other crashes like bad landing, launch and performance.

[@FlyWithGreg]

For a competent pilot on a D: fewer collapses due to higher wing loading and more rigid design, more safety due to available top speed and glide to get over obstacles. Increased risk of losing the plot altogether, when reserve might have to come out. Overall, probably about the same risk as me flying a B, but I feel much more excited about flying the D ... so why not!

[@1080pixel]

@@FlyWithGreg Great, thanks for your answer - I really apprechiate it :) I was always wondering about this questions above. Wishing you a good flying season 2021

[@bilalakramofficial9446]

how much price. your glider 2021

[@VibrantDesigns]

Would be cool if there were controlled sites dedicated to creating controlled risks in order for pilots to learn how to deal with them calmy. Just like how airline pilots train for dangerous situations. If you have never been in the situation before, you inctinct will kick in which can mess things up for you, so by training, you eleminate intinct, remain calm, and get out of the mess youre in :)

[@Adrenalinspunk]

Couldnt help to notice how white ur face was threw the reat of that vid lol but good start and all ways learning something keep it going

[@carrotsandrunning]

love the diagram :)

[@MrLimitlessME]

cool!

[@eliasmrgl6937]

my accident : moderate to mildly strong wind, losing left brake from my hand during backstart, gust pull me up and put me in a right turn. smashed me on the launch area aaand im now with a multiple fracture in my right shoulder joint. i was trying to catch my left brake (i did it) instead of killing my wing that crucial 2 seconds. Don't be like me.

[@FlyWithGreg]

you're not the first to do that. That's kind of my point with this series. It just needs you to sit down and consider what you will do when ... and practice it. I'm sure you won't make that mistake again, you'll probably hold the brakes the way I do (hands through) and also know how to control using the rear risers (which are right there in front of you). But in the 2 seconds you had, for sure, no time to develop your technique. I hope you heal up strong and get your confidence back. I'll do what I can.

[@300BLKSUBSONIC]

Great video, Greg! But you need to step your pizza game up. 6.35 jalapeños? What is that?

[@johannesgoetzen]

Have you ever flewn in El Salvador?

[@jumpleadsx2]

Its always a surprise when I realise I am a dumbass

[@mattcolver1]

Any aircraft without a rigid airframe should be flown in only mild conditions.

[@CoIoneIPanic]

ok that eliminates about half of all flying days right there. Got any more suggestions?

[@antsolja]

didnt know you had a channel outside of flybubble

[@FlyWithGreg]

I am now independent

[@antsolja]

@@FlyWithGreg nice

[@bluemax0137]

Being Italian I can't avoid stating that you should be arrested cause you called "pizza" that horrible thingy!!!

[@markjohntowse5347]

I'd have left that Pizza in for another five minutes...

[@TONYPARAMOTOR]

iam a paramotor pilot. most accidents solely because of ... pilot error .

[@rg-shot]

its hard to hear you with that music in the background man

[@YankeeinSC1]

Note to self...When visiting the U.K. If pizza is on the menu, order the curry, or the steak and kidney pie, the bangers mash bubble & squeak or even the haggis neeps and tatties. Anything but the pizza.

[@Ljosi]

Fly only when there is no wind

[@andreasbleibtgeheim7687]

Haha cool diagram 😋

[@FlyWithGreg]

Problem was I ate part of the diagram very soon after shooting the B roll so had to freezeframe the pizza to use in the video!

[@Farmer2492]

Have you ever had a crash

[@FlyWithGreg]

I've never been to hospital, but have sprained my ankle on a hard landing flying in fohn conditions, and I've messed up a few launches.

[@Farmer2492]

@@FlyWithGreg How do beginners go when they first take off they must be nervous

[@clarkecomollo8750]

Never ever cut pizza on a ceramic plate!

[@cesaredamico76]

Why?

[@clarkecomollo8750]

Cesare D'Amico You don’t ever want to use a metal edge on a ceramic surface. Only use wood

[@cesaredamico76]

@@clarkecomollo8750 again, why? What's the issue? I've done that my whole life and never had a problem

[@clarkecomollo8750]

@@cesaredamico76 You're obviously not a chef. But if you feel like dulling your knives that way, have at it

[@cesaredamico76]

@@clarkecomollo8750 you haven't provided a reason after 2 questions. Are you able to? (3rd time I ask)

[@chicketychina8447]

Because they can.....

[@ericoschmitt]

What to expect of flying jellyfish?

[@GERIO73]

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌👏👏👏👏

[@FreeFlightGuy]

Watching this at breakfast and now I wish I had a pizza.

[@FlyWithGreg]

You have my permission to be a Boss! It's always time for pizza!

[@fredericjaquet3729]

Second pizzagliding video in the same week ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/haqWZXRqYqaDe9k 😂

[@AstralWarrior]

I hate to tell you, but that pizza is disgusting ... the video is great though ;-)

[@synerzho]

you put salt on your pizza?

[@caseykelso1]

You have a lump in your neck have that checked out ASAP

[@PJWalmsley]

Skip to 3:00

[@wotpyrc9505]

Stop being so mediocre

[@lehula]

3 minutes in and you still haven't said anything. Get to the point faster!

[@AlwaysFaxkenCashinHandMate]

Probably going to be a good video but don’t start it off by calling yourself a pilot 😅