Authorities have launched a full investigation into the fatal paragliding accident in Kiti that claimed the life of 31-year-old Antonis Kourras from the Nicosia district on Thursday morning.
The Accident and Incident Investigation Board for Aviation has already taken possession of the paramotor glider used in the incident and begun technical examinations. At the same time, the police are continuing their own investigation, while a post-mortem examination is being carried out today to determine the precise cause of death.
Speaking to CNA, Antonis Antoniou, President of the Investigation Board, confirmed that a preliminary assessment of the paraglider has been conducted in an effort to determine what went wrong.
“There may or may not have been a mechanical fault. It’s also possible that weather conditions played a role, as strong winds are common in the area,” he said. “But there may be other contributing factors, which we are trying to identify.”
He stressed that the investigation will take time, as multiple parameters must be examined. “We will also gather statements from individuals who were at the scene in order to gain a full picture of what occurred,” he added.
According to Mr Antoniou, both paragliders used by the two men involved were privately owned. “This is the information we currently have, although if anything different comes to light, it will be addressed accordingly,” he said.
When asked about past paragliding accidents in Larnaca and Nicosia, Mr Antoniou admitted that such incidents do occur from time to time.
“This sport carries a degree of danger. It requires skill in controlling the paraglider, and essentially the pilot relies on the wind. If something goes wrong, accidents can happen easily,” he explained.
He also noted that in recent years, the number of people engaging in paragliding has increased, despite its inherent risks. “Pilots must comply with relevant legislation, which outlines where they can fly, training requirements, proper equipment checks, wind assessment, and suitable flying hours.”
“This particular sport demands a great deal of caution,” he concluded.
In parallel, police investigations are ongoing. According to Larnaca police spokesperson Spyros Chrysostomou, a statement will be taken from the second individual who was flying alongside Kourras to determine whether he noticed anything unusual during the flight.
The accident occurred at around 8:30am on Thursday, 21 August, in the coastal area of Parasolia in Kiti. The two Greek Cypriot men were flying motorised paragliders when, under circumstances still being investigated, one of them lost control while flying at low altitude above the sea and crashed onto rocks near the shore.
Emergency services responded to the scene, where the 31-year-old pilot, Antonis Kourras from the village of Anagia, was pronounced dead.
Police from Kiti station and members of the Accident and Incident Investigation Board visited the site, with the investigation being coordinated alongside Larnaca CID.
Source: CNA
Feature photo source: Ability360
Also read: Fatal paramotor glider accident claims life of 31-year-old in Larnaca
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