Indian Paraglider Rescued After Cliff Fall in Nong Khai Province

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A rescue operation took place on 13 February, at Wat Pha Tak Suea in Nong Khai province after an Indian paraglider crashed into a cliff during an international competition.

 

The incident occurred during the FAI CIVL Paragliding Accuracy World Cup 2025 Thailand event, a precision paragliding competition held at the scenic viewpoint in Sangkhom District. The pilot, identified only as competitor number 42 from India, encountered difficulties shortly after take-off when his wing appeared to have failed to fully deploy. As a result, he lost control and plummeted approximately 20 metres down the cliffside before becoming entangled in a tree.

 

Despite the harrowing fall, the paraglider miraculously escaped without injury. Emergency responders from Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre 14, were swiftly dispatched to the scene. A specialised rope rescue team descended down the cliff to reach the stranded athlete, securing both him and his equipment before carefully hoisting him back to safety.

 

Officials confirmed that the rescue operation was completed successfully, and the paraglider was brought back to stable ground without further incident.

 

 

The event organisers are expected to review safety protocols following the accident. Wat Pha Tak Suea, known for its stunning views over the Mekong River, is a popular location for extreme sports enthusiasts, but incidents like this highlight the risks involved in high-altitude activities.

 

This event is organised by the Royal Thai Air Force Sports Association (RASAT), Nong Khai Flying Club, and local government agencies in Nong Khai Province, with the event supported by the government, sports authorities of Thailand

 

No official statement has yet been released by the competitor or his team.

 

-- 2025-02-14

 

[Hummin]

A paragliding wing becomes pressurized, not deployed, and most likely took of before completely pressurized, or turbulence, thermic burble came up the hill and took him out. 

 

Could be changing wind at the exit point (take off)

 

 

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

when his wing appeared to have failed to fully deploy. As a result, he lost control and plummeted approximately 20 metres down the cliffside before becoming entangled in a tree.

Nasty...

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, Hummin said:

A paragliding wing becomes pressurized, not deployed, and most likely took of before completely pressurized, or turbulence, thermic burble came up the hill and took him out. 

 

Could be changing wind at the exit point (take off)

 

 

Could be many things as you mention