A paragliding flight in Upper Chitral ended tragically after an experienced pilot disappeared during worsening weather conditions.
Asif Mahmood, a retired Navy commando, expert diver and paragliding pilot, died in the accident. He was 55 years old and lived in Wah Cantt.
Mahmood had taken off from Zaini Pass on Thursday afternoon with a six-member paragliding group. However, changing weather conditions soon disrupted the flight.
Mahmood Goes Missing During Flight
According to Zahiruddin Baber, president of Upper Chitral’s paragliders’ association, the weather deteriorated about an hour after takeoff.
Five members of the group managed to land safely. Meanwhile, Mahmood continued flying toward Chitral city despite the worsening conditions.
The group remained in radio contact with him for around one and a half hours after takeoff. However, his signal was eventually lost, raising concerns about his safety.
Rescue teams then began searching the difficult mountainous terrain. Authorities feared Mahmood may have crashed or made an emergency landing.
Rescue Teams Launch Search Operation
Rescue 1122 teams searched the high-altitude Barum hills for the missing pilot. However, darkness and poor visibility forced rescuers to suspend the operation overnight.
The search resumed early Friday as teams continued looking through the challenging terrain.
Mahmood’s body was eventually discovered Friday afternoon in the highland pasture of Oveer Valley. A shepherd spotted him in the area and alerted others.
Pilot Suffered Head and Spinal Injuries
Baber said Mahmood had sustained head and spinal injuries after crashing into a hillock.
The discovery brought an end to the search for the experienced pilot. His death has also marked an unusual tragedy for paragliding activities in the region.
According to the paragliders’ association president, the incident is reportedly the first of its kind in Chitral in more than 25 years.
Mahmood’s disappearance had triggered a rescue operation across the mountainous area. However, the search ended with the recovery of his body after the fatal paragliding accident.
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