FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fatal Paragliding Accident – Lion’s Head, Cape Town
The South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) confirms that a licensed pilot and member, was fatally injured in an aviation accident at Lion’s Head, Cape Town, on Tuesday, 25 November 2025.
The pilot was flying a Flare Moustache parakite, a new, highly responsive hybrid wing designed for strong-wind coastal soaring and speed-focused flying. Although considered part of the paragliding family in regulatory terms, parakites handle very differently from the larger wings used in conventional paragliding training or tandem operations.
SAHPA extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the wider community. SAHPA is cooperating fully with the Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Members of the public, pilots, or witnesses who may have video, photographic, or other evidence relevant to the event are urged to contact SAHPA or the AIID. Reports can be made in accordance with Part 140.02.1 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, which requires anyone with knowledge of an aviation accident, incident, or safety hazard to notify the Authority.
All information submitted will be handled confidentially and used solely to improve aviation safety. The Civil Aviation Regulations protect individuals who make reports under the principles of a “Just Culture” – a safety philosophy that encourages open and honest reporting of mistakes or hazards without fear of punishment. This approach recognises that most errors arise from human or systemic factors rather than wilful negligence. The aim is to learn from accidents and prevent future occurrences, not to assign blame.
For official reporting, please contact:
SAHPA National Safety Officer – safety@sahpa.co.za
Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID) – aiid@caa.co.za
Issued by:
Louis Stanford
Email: chairman@sahpa.co.za
Mobile: + 27 79 143 9009
Date: 26 November 2025