A paraglider had a lucky escape with no injuries after hitting a power line and plunging into the Red River in North Dakota. Video footage captured by spectator Dusty Howlett shows the electric paramotor-operated parachute sparking upon collision with the powerlines, causing a loud boom on July 8. Both the parachute and the paraglider then descended into the river in Grand Forks. Howlett can be heard exclaiming, “Whoa, oh no!” as the paraglider crashes into the water. Emergency teams were later observed recovering the wreckage from the river.
According to Howlett’s Facebook post, he and a friend were out for a walk when the paraglider, flying too low, failed to see the power line. Howlett mentioned that the paraglider landed in the river, where he could be seen waving and speaking to them. Water rescue personnel were on site, offering hope for his well-being. Howlett emphasized the importance of caution and attentiveness for recreational aircraft operators in their surroundings.
Responding to a comment, Howlett expressed relief that the paraglider was unharmed. Lt. Travis M. Benson of the Grand Forks Police Department disclosed that the pilot, hindered by the sun obstructing his view, did not notice the overhead power lines until it was too late, attempting to descend below them but instead colliding with the wires. Despite dropping straight into the river, the paraglider managed to stay afloat until rescue arrived due to the buoyancy of the craft’s wheels.
The Grand Forks Fire Department reported in a news release on July 8 that a rescue boat was dispatched to the river, where crews found the paraglider unharmed. The individual’s identity was not disclosed.
