A terrifying midair collision above the Austrian Alps has gone viral after a sightseeing aircraft tore through a woman’s paraglider canopy, sending her spiralling uncontrollably through the air.
The incident occurred near Schmittenhöhe in northern Austria and was captured entirely on first-person camera footage.
Plane slices through paraglider canopy
According to reports, 44-year-old paraglider Sabrina was flying over the scenic mountain region when a small sightseeing plane suddenly appeared directly above her.
Within seconds, the aircraft reportedly sliced through her parachute canopy, tearing apart the paraglider wing midair.
The footage shows Sabrina spinning violently as shredded parachute fabric wrapped around her during the rapid descent.
Emergency parachute saves her life
As she rapidly lost altitude, Sabrina reportedly managed to stay calm and deploy her emergency reserve parachute moments before impact.
Authorities said she eventually crashed onto the mountainside but survived the horrifying accident with only bruises and minor injuries.
She was later rescued by a police helicopter and shifted for medical treatment.
“I still can’t believe I’m sitting here typing this,” Sabrina later wrote on social media after surviving the incident.
Pilot also lands safely
Reports said the 28-year-old pilot of the sightseeing aircraft landed safely at Zell am See Airport.
Authorities stated that the pilot claimed there was “no way” he could have avoided the paraglider.
An investigation into the collision is currently underway.
Viral footage shocks internet
The dramatic video has spread rapidly across social media, with many users describing the woman’s survival as miraculous.
Several viewers also praised Sabrina’s quick thinking and presence of mind in deploying the reserve parachute under extreme pressure, saying it likely saved her life.