AAIA publishes investigation report on accident involving PHI Fantasia 22 paraglider
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At 1.45pm that day, the pilot took off from the paragliding take-off area at Biu Tsim Kok in Long Ke and planned to land at the Long Ke Wan beach. At 1.50pm, he was found landing short of the beach and stranded by the paraglider strings in the sea, about 60 metres from the shore. He was rescued and airlifted to the hospital by a helicopter of the Government Flying Service for medical treatment, and was certified dead later.
The investigation concluded that this accident likely occurred because the paraglider landed short of the beach due to head wind, resulting in an emergency water landing and the tragic drowning of the pilot. The investigation team has made three safety recommendations to the Hong Kong China Paragliding Association and the International Paragliding Association. These recommendations are: (1) reminding all Hong Kong paragliding pilots who plan to fly across the waters to be proficient in emergency procedures for unexpected water landings; (2) advising pilots to wear automatically operating lifejackets capable of providing high buoyancy; and (3) emphasising the crucial importance for pilots to formulate an appropriate flight plan and fully assess various changing conditions likely to occur during the flight for risk management purposes.
The investigation was conducted by a team of professional investigators in strict adherence to international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). "The objective of the investigation was to identify the circumstances and causes of the accident with a view to preventing a recurrence," an AAIA spokesperson said.
Throughout the investigation, all parties concerned were properly consulted on the report. The report is available for downloading on the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).
The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the ICAO standards.
Ends/Friday, May 2, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:14
Issued at HKT 15:14
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