Paraglider escapes death after plane clips chute in midair collision

A paraglider has escaped with their life after a light aircraft clipped their chute in a midair collision caught on camera.

Footage of the incident shows the aircraft passing close enough to strike the canopy, sending the pilot into a sudden descent before the wing was brought back under control.

Aviation safety specialists say collisions of this kind are rare but almost always avoidable, and usually come down to airspace awareness in areas used by both recreational fliers and light aircraft.

Investigators are expected to examine flight paths, altitude and whether the aircraft was operating in an area known to be used by paragliders.

The paraglider walked away from the incident, an outcome those familiar with the sport described as extraordinarily fortunate.