Terrifying Video Shows Plane Tearing Through Paraglider’s Canopy Mid-Air In Austrian Alps

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 10:19 IST

With her main canopy badly damaged, she managed to activate her reserve parachute while falling, helping her land safely despite the terrifying ordeal.

A terrifying mid-air collision over the Austrian Alps was caught on camera after a paraglider was struck by a small sightseeing plane, sending the flyer spinning uncontrollably toward the ground before she narrowly escaped disaster by deploying her emergency parachute.

The incident took place on Saturday afternoon near Schmittenhohe mountain, a well-known paragliding destination in northern Austria. According to the Salzburg State Police, the paraglider, identified as 44-year-old Sabrina, was flying with a mounted camera when the aircraft suddenly cut through her canopy, missing her by only a few feet, the New York Post reported.

Dramatic first-person footage captured the exact moment of impact, showing the paraglider’s wing tearing apart instantly. Sabrina could then be heard screaming as she rapidly spiralled downward after losing control in the air.

With her main canopy badly damaged, she managed to activate her reserve parachute while falling, helping her land safely despite the terrifying ordeal.

“The propeller of the motor plane severely damaged the paraglider, prompting the experienced paraglider to deploy her reserve parachute," police said as quoted by NBC News.

Emergency teams later airlifted Sabrina by helicopter to a local airport for medical examinations. Authorities said both the paraglider and the 28-year-old pilot escaped without serious injuries. The pilot reportedly told investigators he was unable to avoid the collision before landing at Zell am See Airport.

Sharing an update later on Instagram in German, Sabrina said she survived the incident with only bruises and contusions.

“I actually still can’t believe that I’m sitting here typing this and apart from a few nasty bruises and bruises all around nothing really happened," she wrote.

The video has since gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the dangers of crowded airspace and the crucial role of emergency safety equipment.

“Thank God that everyone is safe otherwise, a major accident could have occurred," one user commented. “Crazy video! Total grace of God both the paraglider and the pilot were safe!" added the other.

“That recovery is actually insane. Main character energy off the charts," a third user commented.

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