According to Tracy King of the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, the woman took to the skies around 13:30 and was in the air for about 20 minutes before losing control and crashing into the mountain near the Hartbeespoort Cableway.
“No one saw the accident, but we suspect that she flew into a whirlwind, which caused her to lose control of the paraglider,” King said.
Hartbeespoort Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) responded to the scene.
“Our paramedic ascended the mountain by cable car and climbed down to where the patient was. She was carried back to the top of the mountain, stabilised and taken down by cable car. She was airlifted from Hartbeespoort High School to a hospital in Johannesburg,” HEMS spokesperson Leandre Spies said.
The paraglider sustained pelvic and rib fractures.
King said the injured pilot will undergo surgery once the swelling caused by her injuries has gone down.
“She told me she will make a full recovery and is looking forward to taking to the skies again. All sports face risks. Paragliding has its own set of risks, and we as pilots embrace that fact.”
The association has expressed its gratitude to HEMS for its speedy response and caring treatment of the patient.
“We would also like to thank the cableway operators, who immediately made room for the paramedics. The staff were incredibly helpful.”
