A paraglider died after launching from a 200ft cliff in Devon because there was insufficient wind to sustain flight, an inquest has concluded. Todd Albrecht, 56, from South Brent, crashed into the sea near Beesands on 23 July last year.
The Plymouth inquest heard that Mr Albrecht, an experienced paraglider, was “exuberant and in good spirits” before the flight. He was seen flying towards Start Point but lost height in winds of 8-12mph, which were deemed inadequate.
David Thompson, accident investigator for the British Hang Glider and Paragliding Association, said the cause “would appear to be pilot error judgement”. He noted that by the time Mr Albrecht realised he was in trouble, “there were no landing options available”. Mr Thompson also highlighted that Mr Albrecht was not wearing a buoyancy aid and had no knife to cut himself free.
Coroner Ian Arrow recorded a conclusion of accidental death, stating the paraglider had lost height in “insufficient wind”. The equipment was found to be in good condition.
