Fatal Paraglider Accident at Shek O, Hong Kong

Incident Overview and Location On 9 December 2025, a fatal accident involving a BGD Base 3 paraglider occurred at the take-off field of the Shek O paragliding activities area in Hong Kong. The incident was classified as an accident with a primary occurrence type of Loss of Control – Inflight (LOC-I). The operation was private, and the pilot was the only person on board. ## Sequence of Events At approximately 14:08 hours, hikers observed the pilot preparing for flight and untangling the suspension lines. The paraglider was partially inflated by the wind but remained on the ground. The pilot was not wearing a helmet or a harness strap. About 40 seconds later, a sudden strong gust of wind further inflated the wing and lifted the pilot off the ground. The pilot was facing the back of the paraglider, holding the right riser with the left hand and the left riser with the right hand. Approximately 10 seconds after becoming airborne, the left riser slipped from the pilot's grasp, causing the paraglider to collapse. Several seconds later, the pilot fell onto the hillside with the paraglider. ## Emergency Response and Outcome Hikers immediately notified the police. At around 15:19 hours, the pilot was airlifted by a Government Flying Service helicopter to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for emergency treatment. The pilot's death was confirmed at 15:47 hours on the same day. There were no injuries to other persons, and the aircraft sustained no damage. ## Investigation Status The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) instigated an investigation under the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B). To date, the AAIA has inspected the paraglider and equipment, downloaded flight data from the variometer, collected witness videos, and obtained the user manual. The investigation is ongoing, with planned analysis of videos, flight data, meteorological information, and the pilot's autopsy report. No analysis or findings are included in this preliminary report.