Fatal Paragliding Accident Near Iquique, Chile

Casualties unknown • SECTOR PALO BUQUE, IQUIQUE, CL

A student pilot was killed following a paraglider impact with the ground during a recreational flight in the Tarapacá Region.

What happened

On December 5, 2025, at approximately 18:30 local time, a fatal aviation occurrence took place in the Palo Buque sector, located within the Iquique commune of the Tarapacá Region. A student pilot was operating a Sol Prymus Four paraglider (unmotorized ultralight) for recreational purposes. During the flight, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which resulted in a high-impact collision with the terrain. The impact caused the death of the pilot at the scene of the accident. The paraglider itself sustained no damage during the event.

The investigation

DGAC Chile is currently conducting a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigative process is presently in the data collection and information analysis phase. Authorities are working to reconstruct the flight sequence to identify the specific factors that led to the uncontrolled descent and subsequent ground impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-12-05 PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO) accident near SECTOR PALO BUQUE, IQUIQUE, CL?

A student pilot was killed following a paraglider impact with the ground during a recreational flight in the Tarapacá Region.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-12-05 involved a PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO), at SECTOR PALO BUQUE, IQUIQUE, CL.

Investigation report by the Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC Chile). Original record: https://www.dgac.gob.cl/informes-2025/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC), Chile.

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