What began as an exciting paragliding adventure for a young British man in Turkey ended in unimaginable tragedy.
The 22-year-old tourist, alongside his 29-year-old pilot, lost their lives after a fatal crash during a tandem flight from the popular Babadag mountain near Fethiye.
Paragliding Gone Wrong Just Moments After Take-Off
The pair had taken off from a height of 6,500 feet around mid-morning, hoping to experience the breathtaking views Babadag is famous for.
But shortly after launching, something went terribly wrong.
Their parachute reportedly malfunctioned and tore mid-air, sending them hurtling toward the rocky mountain slope.
Witnesses nearby immediately notified emergency responders, but by the time help arrived, both the tourist and pilot had died from the impact.
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
Emergency teams quickly arrived at the crash site, but tragically, there was nothing they could do to save the two.
Their bodies were transported to a local morgue for autopsy.
Authorities in the region have since begun a full investigation, looking into both the scene of the crash and the equipment used during the flight.
Meanwhile, all paragliding activities from Babadag have been temporarily suspended as officials work to understand exactly what led to the fatal incident.
A Stunning Yet Risky Destination for Adrenaline Seekers
Babadag has long been a magnet for thrill-seekers and paragliding enthusiasts.
With its sweeping coastal views and high-altitude take-off points, it’s widely regarded as one of Europe’s top paragliding locations. But despite its beauty, it has also gained notoriety for its dangers.
This latest tragedy isn’t the first to happen there.
Past Incidents That Raise Red Flags
Back in October 2022, 62-year-old Frank Lally from England also lost his life after a similar take-off from Babadag ended in disaster.
His parachute failed to stay on course, and he too crashed into rocks soon after launch.
Like in the recent case, emergency responders were called, but sadly, Lally was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Narrow Escapes That Could Have Been Fatal
Even those who’ve survived paragliding mishaps at Babadag haven’t walked away unscathed.
In 2014, Briton Justin Clarke narrowly escaped death after his parachute lines became tangled shortly after take-off.
His body-mounted camera captured the terrifying moments as he struggled to untangle himself while plummeting toward the sea.
He eventually deployed his reserve chute and splashed into the water, where he was picked up by a rescue boat—burned and bruised, but alive.
A Pensioner’s Nightmare on the Mountainside
The mountain has also been the site of endurance-testing survival stories.
In 2010, 70-year-old Roger Parker found himself clinging to life after his tandem flight ended in a collision with a cliff.
Poor visibility due to heavy fog contributed to the crash.
Parker, who was on holiday with his wife, suffered multiple fractures and spent 14 terrifying hours trapped on a tiny ledge.
A rescue helicopter finally reached him and the pilot the next morning.
What’s Next?
This latest tragedy has once again highlighted the risks associated with paragliding, especially in challenging terrain like Babadag.
As investigations continue, many are calling for tighter safety regulations and better equipment checks to prevent future accidents.
The paragliding community—and the families affected—will be watching closely for answers.