A Paraglider’s Brush with Danger: Why Drone Pilots Must Do Better

January 16, 2025

A Close Call

On January 7, 2025, a paraglider had a terrifying experience mid-descent. A drone collided with his parachute, cutting critical lines and putting his safety at risk. Though he managed to land safely, the damage could have been deadly. The drone pilot approached immediately, apologized, and asked for the paraglider’s contact information. For a moment, it seemed like accountability was a priority—until it wasn’t. The pilot avoided making the call and fled the scene. This incident goes beyond one pilot’s poor decisions. It’s a clear reminder of why local drone regulations exist and how ignoring them puts everyone in the air at risk.

The Incident: What Went Wrong

The collision occurred at Torrey Pines Gliderport, a busy airspace shared by paragliders, hang gliders, and RC aircrafts. As the paraglider was descending, he suddenly heard something strike his canopy. Looking up, he realized a drone had gotten tangled in his lines. Despite the damage to the glider, he was fortunate to land safely. He immediately confronted the drone pilot, who appeared apologetic:

Drone Pilot: “What’s your number? I have to report this.”

The paraglider, trying to act in good faith, gave the drone pilot his phone number, expecting a call so they could exchange contact information. However, as the paraglider waited for the pilot to follow through, it became clear that the call wasn’t coming. The pilot avoided dialing and instead fled the scene. Frustrated and left to deal with the aftermath alone, the paraglider shouted after him:

Paraglider: “HEY!”

The pilot’s claim about a blacked-out screen has since sparked skepticism. Some commentators online speculated that distraction—possibly from filming nearby Black’s Beach, a nude beach adjacent to the Gliderport—could have played a role. While this theory remains unproven, it highlights a broader issue: distraction, whatever its source, has no place in regulated airspaces. Flying drones near cliffs, busy airspace, or high-traffic recreational areas demands full attention at all times. Whether the screen issue was genuine or the result of inattention, the consequences were the same—a near-disaster that could have been avoided.

To help visualize the moment of impact, here’s a tracking system screenshot of the paraglider’s flight path at the time of the incident. It shows the pilot (Hunter) flying at 410 feet over Black’s Beach, right near the Torrey Pines Gliderport where the collision happened.

Paraglider's Flight Path

Why Local Rules Matter

Flying drones isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about knowing and respecting the rules of the airspace you’re in. Local regulations, like those at Torrey Pines Gliderport, are often the most detailed and restrictive because they address the specific needs of the area. Several rules were likely violated in this incident:

  • Low-Altitude Flying: Torrey Pines prohibits aircraft, including RC models, from operating within 50 feet of takeoff and landing zones or near active pilots. While drones aren’t explicitly mentioned, their use near paragliders would reasonably fall under this restriction.

  • Accident Reporting: Pilots are required to report any incidents to the Flight Director immediately. Fleeing the scene without doing so not only violates the spirit of the rules but erodes trust in shared airspace users.

  • Safe Coexistence: The Gliderport’s rules prioritize safety for all users—paragliders, spectators, and RC model operators alike.

Violating these rules puts others at significant risk. Torrey Pines operates under San Diego Municipal Code Section 63.02.32, which emphasizes that flying at the site is a privilege, not a right. Disregarding these rules can lead to severe penalties, including citations, bans from the area, or other consequences enforced by local authorities.

On a broader level, FAA regulations govern all drone operations in U.S. airspace. Violating FAA rules, such as flying recklessly or failing to yield to manned aircraft, can result in steep fines or even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the violation. Drone operators are responsible for adhering to both site-specific regulations and federal laws, ensuring their flights do not endanger others or violate airspace rules.

Lessons for Drone Pilots

This incident serves as a clear example of why drone operators must know and follow local rules. Here’s what every pilot should take away:

  1. Know the Local Rules: FAA guidelines set the baseline for drone operations, but local regulations provide site-specific details. At places like this gliderport, knowing the rules isn’t optional—it’s mandatory.

  2. Stay Aware and Focused: Whether your screen goes black or you lose sight of your drone, maintaining control is your responsibility. Distraction, from technical issues or external factors, can lead to serious consequences.

  3. Take Responsibility When Things Go Wrong: Accidents happen, but fleeing the scene isn’t just unethical—it violates the rules and damages trust in the entire drone community. Reporting incidents and cooperating with local authorities shows accountability and professionalism. By learning and following these rules, drone pilots can help prevent incidents like this and ensure the integrity of shared airspace.

The Importance of Local Regulations

The rules at Torrey Pines Gliderport aren’t arbitrary—they reflect the unique dynamics of a busy, regulated airspace. Paragliders and hang gliders rely on equipment integrity for their safety, and any damage can mean disaster. The paraglider in this incident was fortunate to land safely, but luck isn’t a safety plan. Local rules ensure all users of the space can coexist without unnecessary risk. For drone pilots, they provide clear boundaries to follow—and consequences for breaking them.

Do Your Part: Safe Flying Starts Here

Flying drones responsibly starts with preparation and awareness. Before your next flight:

  • Familiarize Yourself with FAA Guidelines: These provide the baseline for safe operation and establish rules for airspace, altitude, and reporting.
  • Research Local Rules: Understand the site-specific regulations, especially for high-traffic areas to avoid violations.
  • Use a Pre-Flight Checklist: Verify your drone’s condition, battery levels, and firmware updates. Confirm that the area is clear and safe for operation.
  • Maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Always keep your drone within sight to ensure full control and situational awareness.
  • Consider Using an Observer: Especially in complex or crowded airspaces, an observer can help you monitor your surroundings and prevent accidents.
  • Minimize Distractions: Focus entirely on the flight. Avoid multitasking or becoming overly reliant on your screen for navigation.

Local regulations aren’t there to restrict—they’re there to protect. Following them ensures that drones, paragliders, and other airspace users can share the skies safely. For more insights and resources on responsible drone operation, make sure to visit Suave Droning’s Terraflight Insights blog. Let’s work together to make sure incidents like this don’t happen again.

Sources

  1. Torrey Pines Gliderport Site Rules
  2. YouTube Video of the Incident: Drone Pilot Flies Into a Paraglider and Runs Away
  3. Reddit Discussion on the Incident: Drone Pilot Flies Into a Paraglider and Runs Away
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