Dharamshala, India— A Bulgarian pilot was killed and a British national rescued Monday after a paraglider crash near Dharamshala in the Himalayan foothills, a popular but risky flying hub that has seen repeated accidents. Winds turned suddenly mid-flight.
The crash happened near Bir Billing, regarded as one of the world's top paragliding sites, around 11:30 a.m. Both pilots had taken off from Billing at 2,400 meters. Eyewitnesses said a strong gust collapsed one wing, sending the Bulgarian pilot spinning into a pine-covered ridge. The British pilot crash-landed nearby with injuries.
Police identified the deceased as a 42-year-old Bulgarian national with advanced certification. The British man, 29, suffered leg fractures and was airlifted by a state disaster team. A rescue officer said, "The Bulgarian was found strapped to his harness, dead on impact. The British was conscious, stuck in a tree. We had to cut branches to get him down."
Bir Billing draws hundreds of foreign flyers each season. Locals say weather checks are loose. Tandem and solo pilots often launch even when wind warnings are up. This month alone saw three minor crashes. A flying association member said, "Everyone wants to fly. No one wants to wait for better wind."
The administration ordered an inquiry. Flying was suspended for 24 hours. Officials said they will check licenses, equipment logs and whether both pilots had registered with the local association. The British embassy was informed and is in touch with the injured man's family.
Tourism operators worry. Paragliding brings money to Kangra valley. Hotels, taxi drivers and cafes depend on it. But accidents scare newcomers. One guesthouse owner said bookings drop for weeks after each death, then return.
Weather is a factor. October thermals are strong and unpredictable over the Dhauladhar range. Pilots chase lift but get caught in rotor winds near ridges. Rescue is hard. There are no helicopters on standby; teams climb on foot.
The body was taken to Tanda Medical College for autopsy. The British national is stable in the same hospital.
Tonight flying remains shut as officials inspect the launch site and check wind meters that locals say have been broken for months.
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