An experienced paraglider in the Austrian Alps narrowly survived a midair collision when a small plane unexpectedly flew through her glider, severely damaging its canopy. Promptly deploying her reserve parachute, she managed an emergency landing and was airlifted to safety. Despite the terrifying encounter and the destruction of her primary glider, both the paraglider and the plane’s pilot escaped serious injury.
Felix Baumgartner, who jumped from the stratosphere, dies in Italy. It’s hard to believe, but the man who etched his name into history with that incredible jump from the edge of space is no longer with us. The news broke that he died in a paragliding accident in Italy, a far cry from the stratosphere but a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in extreme sports. The initial reports suggest a sudden illness led to the crash, a tragic end for a man who seemed to defy the limits of human possibility.
The immediate reaction is a mix of awe and sadness.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood