Investigation report on accident involving BGD Dual 2 tandem paraglider published
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At 1.28pm that day, the paraglider took off from a paragliding area in Ngong Ping with a pilot and a passenger on board. Shortly after take-off, it impacted terrain. The passenger was seriously injured and transported by helicopter to a hospital for treatment.
The investigation found that in addition to the pilot's inappropriate take-off technique, an improper attachment between the right side of his harness and the spreader led to an uneven distribution of the total weight between the pilot and the passenger, and malposition of the pilot. The paraglider banked to the left and the pilot subsequently lost control of it, which resulted in a collision with the terrain.
The investigation team has issued three safety recommendations to the Hong Kong China Paragliding Association and the International Paragliding Association. These recommendations are: (1) and (2) re-emphasising to all Hong Kong paragliding pilots about the crucial importance of ensuring proper connections of all vital points of a paraglider and harnesses during the pre-flight check; and the importance of maintaining effective control of the paraglider with the control handles during take-off; and (3) re-emphasising to all qualified tandem pilots in Hong Kong the importance of briefing passengers properly before and during flight.
In light of the findings concluded by the AAIA, the Civil Aviation Department has updated the Safety Guidance on Paragliding Activities on its website to provide more information for the public, including the qualifications and competency for tandem pilots (not limited to paragliding activities for hire or reward), as well as the requirement for tandem pilots to brief passengers thoroughly on the risks and safety measures before flight.
The investigation was conducted by a team of professional investigators in strict adherence to international standards established by 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/Thursday, April 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:20
Issued at HKT 15:20
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