A tragic paragliding accident at the renowned Bir Billing adventure sports destination claimed the life of a tandem pilot on Friday, sending shockwaves through the paragliding community and raising fresh concerns over safety standards at one of India’s most popular flying sites.
The deceased pilot has been identified as Mohan Singh, a resident of Barot village, around 30 kilometres from Bir Billing. He died after crashing shortly after take-off while flying tandem with a woman tourist, who survived the incident with injuries.
Third fatal accident this year
This is the third fatal paragliding accident reported at Bir Billing in 2025. Earlier, a tourist from Gujarat died in July, while a Canadian pilot was killed in a crash in October, intensifying scrutiny of safety practices at the site.
According to fellow pilot Partap Singh, Mohan lost control of the glider soon after take-off, resulting in a fatal fall. The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined.
Flying suspended as mark of respect
As a mark of respect, paragliding pilots at Bir Billing observed a complete no-flying day on Saturday. The decision reflected the deep sense of loss within the tightly knit paragliding community.
The incident has also left tourists shaken. Shubham, a visitor from Delhi who had travelled to Bir Billing with friends to celebrate Christmas and New Year, said the accident made them reconsider further flights despite having already completed one glide.
Authorities order inquiry, stress SOPs
Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said multiple versions of the incident have surfaced, and a detailed inquiry is being conducted by the Baijnath Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Officials have emphasised strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for both pilots and operators.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of proper screening of passengers, including fitness levels, weight limits and medical conditions, stating that indemnity forms alone cannot substitute safety checks.
Pilot livelihood under spotlight
The tragedy has also highlighted the precarious working conditions of paragliding pilots in the region. According to local pilots, nearly 400 paragliders operate in the Bir Billing area, but earnings are seasonal and uncertain.
During peak tourist seasons, a pilot may manage three to four flights a day, earning between ₹800 and ₹1,000 per flight, while tourists are charged ₹2,500 to ₹3,000. During lean periods, pilots may get only one flight in a day or even over two days.
As investigations continue, the accident has renewed calls for tighter regulation, better safety enforcement and improved welfare measures for pilots operating at India’s adventure tourism hubs