The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) today (October 5) published the Investigation Report IVR-2026-04 on the investigation into an impact with a grass area accident involving a Niviuk Artik R paraglider preparing for landing at Ngong Ping, Ma On Shan, on February 11, 2025.

     At 12.10pm that day, the paraglider pilot took off solo from a paragliding area in Ngong Ping. After flying for about 23 minutes and preparing for landing, the paraglider impacted the grass area. The pilot sustained injuries and fell into a coma.

     The investigation found that he exerted too much left brake on the EN-C glider he flew to adjust his landing approach, probably due to negative transfer from his extensive and recent experience flying EN-B paragliders. As a result, the left side of the wing stalled, causing the paraglider to enter a left-hand spin and eventually impact the grass area.

     The investigation team has issued one safety recommendation to the Hong Kong China Paragliding Association and the International Paragliding Association. The recommendation is to alert all participants of paragliding in Hong Kong, when transitioning between different classes of gliders, on the importance of taking defensive measures to mitigate the risks of negative transfer.

     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/Monday, October 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:08

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