October 2023 – Zipline Collision in Morning Fog
During a foggy sunrise flight, a tandem paramotor collided with an abandoned zipline sling suspended between two old towers above a rice field. The pilot and French passenger were left hanging mid-air for hours.
Incident Overview
Fog often looks beautiful from above, but it can completely hide ground hazards. As the pilot descended for landing, visibility suddenly dropped. He noticed the zipline cable only seconds before impact — far too late to avoid it.
Victims
- French passenger — suspended in harness for hours
- Pilot — also entangled and unable to descend safely
Aftermath
Photos circulated briefly in private local chats before disappearing. No public statement was issued, and no safety alert was shared with future passengers.
Safety Lessons Learned
- Sunrise flights must wait until the fog fully clears.
- Pilots must memorize or avoid zones with hidden wires and old structures.
- Ground visibility during landing is just as critical as sky conditions during takeoff.