Black series in Switzerland
Paragliding accidents: What is the profile of the victims?
This mountain sport continues to seduce, even if, this summer, fifteen fatal accidents took place in the country.
This summer was particularly deadly for paragliding enthusiasts.
KEYSTONE
It is a tragic summer for paragliding enthusiasts. Since the start of the year, fifteen fatal accidents have been identified in Switzerland. In the last two weeks of August, four dramas have occurred in Valais, in the communes of Grengiols, Fiesch, Saas-Fee and Fischeralp.
Beyond the quantified assessment, a recurring profile emerges from the victims, reports the RTS. “These are generally somewhat elderly people, who fly in the Hautes Alpes, where the summer conditions are a bit strong,” explains Urs Frei, president of the Swiss Free Flight Federation (FSVL), at the microphone of the national chain.
Experienced pilots
Unlike clichés, the victims are not only young daredevils, but also older experienced pilots, who fly at altitude, where weather conditions are particularly extreme.
Despite this black series, the discipline continues to seduce: more than 20,000 pilots have a license in Switzerland. To obtain a patent, it takes a minimum of 50 flights and the success of several exams. Requirements which, however, are not enough to rule out the risks for an activity to the air of freedom.
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