Aircraft Collided Above The Torrey Pines Gliderport In San Diego County

The pilots of two paragliders were fatally injured Saturday when their aircraft collided over the Torrey Pines Gliderport in the northern coastal region of San Diego County.

According to a report from the San Diego Union Tribune newspaper, one of the pilots was from San Diego County, while the other resided in Orange County. They collided at an altitude of about 35 feet and the lines of their aircraft became entangled. San Diego Lifeguard Lt. Rich Stropky told the paper they then fell onto a steep cliff face about 45 feet below its edge.

Stropky said that the San Diego pilot was certified to fly his own paraglider, while the other was working on his certification. The less experienced pilot was flying to the south when he made a hard right turn, crossing the path of the northbound pilot. The canopy from one of the paragliders kept both in the air for a few moments before both fell about 75 feet to the ground.

Weather conditions were reportedly good on Saturday for paragliding, with winds out of the west at about 10-12 miles per hour.

The spot where the accident occurred is not intended to be used by inexperienced pilots, according to the report. To fly at Torrey Pines, pilots must hold a P3 Intermediate rating with 50 hours experience, or an H4 rating for advanced pilots. Those who wish to use the gliderport must check in at the facility and show their license.

(Image posted to the Torrey Pines Gliderport Facebook page)

FMI: Source report