A paraglider soaring above the Austrian Alps had a close call last weekend when a low-flying Cessna 172 hit her canopy, slicing it to ribbons. Despite spinning out of control, the experienced 44-year-old paraglider, known only as Sabrina, kept her cool and safely deployed her reserve parachute. She escaped with just minor injuries.
After the collision, the little Cessna flies off, carrying lines and pieces of canopy. Photo: Instagram
The incident occurred in western Austria, near the popular alpine resort area around Zell am See. The woman, who was celebrating her 44th birthday, had launched from Schmittenhohe mountain. The crash occurred at 1:15 pm.
You can see the collision here:
The 28-year-old Cessna pilot was guiding a small flightseeing group at the time. A Cessna 172 holds only three or four passengers. The pilot was able to land safely back at the Zell am See Airport.
The lucky paraglider pilot, known only as Sabrina. Photo: Instagram
