What goes wrong after take-off: A spate of fatal paragliding crashes raises alarm | Shimla News

Himachal Pradesh, which has been a prime destination for adventure lovers, has recently witnessed paragliding disasters happening on a regular basis at its scenic hills. Accidents that ended with the death of tourists who were both locals and foreigners took place in paragliding areas like Manali’s Raison village, the globally famous Bir-Billing hills, and the cliffs near Dharamshala in Kangra.These accidents were caused by various factors such as the loss of control right after take-off, mid-air collisions, and failures of equipment. The accidents involved tandem rides, solo flights, and even experienced pilots, which reflected the laxity of safety regulations and governmental oversight in the adventure sports of Himalaya state.Travelers from different states of India such as Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and from abroad as well like Canada, Belgium, and Australia have lost their lives through paragliding accidents in Himachal Pradesh. A lot of the incidents happened at unapproved locations, during bad weather changes, or just before sunset, making one ask questions about timing, permissions for the site, and operational protocols.

Although the authorities register cases and order inquiries regularly, experts and paragliding associations attribute the causes for these unfortunate deaths to pilot error, poor monitoring, and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations always being a problem. The rescue operations in the remote and rough terrains are often very long and difficult, thus demonstrating the danger that the people have faced as well as the mountain areas not being able to offer quick help.

Experienced pilot from Noida dies in Himachal

In December 2025, Ritu Chopra (56), a resident of Noida and a seasoned solo paraglider, died after her glider crashed minutes after take-off from the Bir-Billing hills in Kangra district. Chopra, who frequently flew in the region, was the wife of retired Indian Air Force officer Ashutosh Chopra.Officials stated that Ashutosh raised the alarm soon after the accident. Consequently, a search operation was initiated in the nearby hills. The rescue team arrived at the scene and brought Ritu to a local hospital where doctors declared her brought dead. The local paragliding association members revealed that Ritu was an accomplished pilot and was alone.

They explained a tandem flight is when a trained pilot takes a tourist along for a ride. They disclosed that the accident had nothing to do with a joyride or a training session. They emphasized that although fliers are experienced, they are still vulnerable to the region’s difficult terrain and erratic wind. Despite its popularity among international and domestic pilots, Bir, Billing, considered one of the best paragliding destinations in the world, has been the scene of a series of fatal accidents over the years.

Australian paraglider rescued after 20 hours

In October 2025, an Australian paraglider, Andy (51), was rescued near the Seven Sisters Peak at an altitude of 13,500 feet in Manali, Kullu district, after crashing due to fluctuating air pressure and adverse weather conditions. The paraglider pilot flying with Andy witnessed the accident and immediately alerted the rescue team. Both pilots had come from Bir-Billing in Kangra district to Manali and were flying back when the crash occurred. A rescue team was dispatched promptly to reach Andy, who was trapped in inaccessible terrain. “The paraglider, who was lying on a dangerous and narrow ledge on a high mountain, was finally rescued with the help of a chopper,” said Ramesh Kumar Jogi, in-charge of the rescue team from the Manali Adventure Tour Association.

Canadian paraglider dies in Dhauladhar crash

In October 2025, the body of 27-year-old Canadian paraglider Megan Elizabeth Roberts, who had crashed into the Dhauladhar ranges, was recovered and brought to Kangra, officials said. Roberts had taken a solo flight from Bir-Billing, and a search operation was mounted based on coordinates she sent via her satellite phone. A rescue team on foot eventually reached the crash site at an altitude of 13,000 feet, where Roberts was found dead. Additional District Magistrate Shilpi Beakta said the body would undergo post-mortem at Tanda Medical College before being handed over to family members. An investigation into the cause of the crash was announced.

Belgian paraglider dies in mid-air collision

A Belgian paraglider died after colliding mid-air with another paraglider at Bir-Billing in October 2025 after his reserve parachute failed to open. The accident occurred days before the week-long Paragliding World Cup 2024 in Bir-Billing. Ten paragliders were flying simultaneously when two collided, resulting in the death of Feyarets, while the other paraglider, from Poland, sustained injuries.

Deputy Director (Tourism), Kangra, Vinay Dhiman, said, “Chances of accidents increase when free-fliers venture into high-risk zones or inner valleys with little knowledge of the topography and local wind conditions. We are in the process of documenting the thermals in the Bir-Billing area with the help of experts to reduce the probability of accidents while flying.” Authorities have since directed paragliders to register, adhere to designated routes and avoid flying over military areas. Proposals are underway to install special towers in high-altitude zones to pinpoint crash sites.

Gujarat tourist dies near Dharamshala

In July 2025, a 25-year-old tourist from Gujarat, Satish, died after his tandem paraglider crashed during take-off from an unapproved site near Dharamshala. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The crash occurred around 4.30 pm near Banghotu, located above the popular Indrunag paragliding site. Satish, a resident of Ahmedabad, had visited Dharamshala with his cousin. Both Satish and the pilot, Suraj, were initially taken to the zonal hospital in Dharamshala and later referred to Tanda Government Medical College and Hospital, where Satish succumbed to his injuries. Kangra additional SP Hitesh Lakhanpal said the victim’s parents had been informed and were on their way. A case was registered.

Kangra tourism officer Vinay Dhiman said the operator could face action, including suspension of licence, for using a site not approved by the district administration. Suresh Thakur, founder of the Billing Paragliding Association, said, “In majority of paragliding crashes, tandem pilots are at fault. But never has any action been taken against them. They continue to fly and put others’ lives at risk.”

2 killed in 2 days in HP paraglider crashes

Two tourists died in separate tandem paragliding crashes in Kullu and Kangra districts within two days, raising questions over safety standards. On January 17, 2025, a tourist from Tamil Nadu died after two paragliders collided mid-air in Garsa Valley, Kullu district. Jayesh (28) succumbed to his injuries at a government hospital in Kullu, while pilot Ashwani Kumar (27) was referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh. On January 18, 2025, a 19-year-old tourist from Gujarat died after the pilot lost balance during take-off at the Indrunag paragliding site in Dharamshala. She fell into a ditch nearly 60 feet deep along with the co-flyer. Bhaveshawar Khushi and Munish Kumar were taken to the government hospital in Dharamshala, where Khushi died. Munish was later referred to Tanda Medical College and Hospital.

“The accident happened around sunset. We are checking whether the administration allows flying at that hour. Any action will be taken after the inquiry,” a police officer said.

Telangana tourist dies in paragliding crash near Manali

On January 8, 2025, 32-year-old Mahesh Reddy from Telangana died in a paragliding accident in Raison village near Manali. Reddy, a resident of RK Puram in Ranga Reddy district, was holidaying with friends and opted for paragliding. Within minutes of take-off, the tandem pilot crashed the glider, leaving Reddy critically injured, police said. He was rushed to a private hospital in Bhuntar and later referred to a government hospital in Nerchowk, where doctors declared him brought dead. The pilot suffered minor injuries. A case under BNS sections 125 and 106 was registered.

Rising concerns and need for stricter regulations

Himachal Pradesh’s appeal as an adventure tourism destination has been repeatedly overshadowed by fatalities. Experts cite pilot error, inadequate training, poor regulation of sites and weak emergency preparedness as major factors. Tourism officials say steps are being taken to document thermals, regulate routes and install monitoring systems, but gaps in enforcement remain. Paragliding, while thrilling, carries inherent risks. Without stricter oversight, approved sites, pilot accountability and enforcement of safety protocols, accidents are likely to continue. The repeated deaths — involving tourists and seasoned pilots alike — underline the urgent need for stronger regulatory mechanisms to ensure that adventure tourism does not come at the cost of human lives.