ÇORUM, Turkey – A heartbreaking scene unfolded at a popular paragliding festival in Turkey when a veteran pilot plummeted to his death shortly after launching, with the dramatic moment captured on video and now circulating widely online.
Bayram Kurt, a 48-year-old experienced paraglider from Antalya, died Saturday after falling approximately 30 meters (about 100 feet) during the Oğuzlar Traditional Paragliding and Plateau Festival in the Oğuzlar district of Çorum province. The incident occurred at the Tekke Plateau launch site, where festival-goers had gathered to watch participants soar over the scenic landscape.
Video footage from the scene, obtained by Turkish news agency İHA, shows Kurt's paraglider wing inflating and lifting off the dry, hilly terrain under clear skies. Moments later, the pilot separates from the canopy and falls while the wing continues drifting above. Onlookers, including other participants and spectators, are visible in the background as the tragedy unfolds.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. Paragliding experts note that even seasoned flyers can encounter sudden equipment issues, wind shifts, or launch problems, particularly in festival settings with multiple pilots and variable conditions.
Kurt was known in Turkey's paragliding community as a dedicated enthusiast with years of experience. Friends and fellow pilots expressed shock and sorrow, remembering him as a passionate adventurer who loved sharing the skies. "This is a devastating loss for the entire paragliding family," one local organizer told reporters.
The accident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks in extreme sports, even for those with extensive training. Paragliding has grown in popularity across Turkey's rugged terrain, drawing tourists and locals alike to events like the one in Oğuzlar. Safety protocols are typically in place, but incidents like this highlight the unforgiving nature of the activity.
No other injuries were reported in the incident. Turkish officials have not yet released additional details on the investigation, but festival activities were reportedly paused following the crash.
