An Australian paraglider, Andy Ryan (51), was dramatically rescued after being stranded for more than 19 hours in the high mountains near Manali, in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of nearly 4,000 metres. The rescue came after a challenging overnight operation carried out by a joint ground and aerial team in freezing conditions.
Crash at High Altitude After Takeoff from Rani Sui Lake
Andy Ryan had taken off from Rani Sui Lake, located at an elevation of about 3,800 metres, around 2 pm on Monday afternoon. Shortly after the launch, his glider encountered turbulent winds, forcing him to crash-land on a steep mountain slope locally known as Kwari Dhar, just a few kilometers from the takeoff site.
Following the crash, Ryan managed to send out an SOS message, which was picked up by a Russian solo pilot flying in the same area. The Russian paraglider witnessed the accident, took photographs of the crash site, and alerted local authorities and rescue associations for immediate assistance.
Stranded Overnight in Freezing Temperatures
Ryan was stuck on a vertical rocky slope below a ridge, unable to climb up or descend, with freezing temperatures dropping well below zero degrees Celsius overnight. Injured and exhausted, he spent the night in the open, battling the harsh Himalayan conditions until help arrived the next morning.
Rescue Operation Coordinated Through Local and National Teams
According to Suresh Thakur, founder-director of the Billing Paragliding Association (BPA), the crash information reached them around 4 pm. “We immediately coordinated with our partners in Manali to initiate a search-and-rescue operation. A helicopter was also arranged, but due to nightfall, it was unsafe to conduct aerial searches,” Thakur said.
Later that evening, around 8:30 pm, a rescue team from the Adventure Tour Operators’ Association of Manali, led by Ramesh Jogi, began their trek toward the crash site. Accompanied by Austrian paraglider Ron Fischer, the team trekked through the night and reached the base of the mountain around 2:30 am.
“At around 6 am, we began climbing up and reached the exact spot where Andy was stranded. Around 9:30 am, a helicopter rescue team arrived, and Andy was airlifted safely from the ridge,” Jogi said. Ryan was then flown to Manali Mission Hospital, where he was treated for injuries and hypothermia. His condition is reported to be stable.
Growing Concern Over Frequent Paragliding Accidents
This latest incident highlights the growing risks associated with paragliding activities in Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous regions. The ongoing winter flying season in Bir Billing, located in neighboring Kangra district, has already witnessed several accidents and one fatality this year.
Just last week, Canadian pilot Megan Elizabeth (27) lost her life in a paragliding accident in the Dhauladhar mountain range. Additionally, Austrian pilot Jakob Krammer (35) and Russian pilot Nikita Vasiltsov (38) were rescued after going missing following takeoffs from Billing.
In 2023 and 2024, a total of five solo pilots died and four were rescued in similar incidents, raising concerns among authorities and local associations about safety practices and pilot preparedness.
Experts Warn Against Underestimating Himalayan Conditions
According to Ajay Kumar Sharma, an international paraglider and chief instructor at the Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, many foreign solo pilots often underestimate the complexities of Himalayan flying conditions.
“Foreign pilots flying in Bir-Billing often have limited knowledge of Himalayan weather patterns, wind currents, and topography. They tend to push their limits, unaware of the region’s unpredictable climate. This overconfidence often leads to crashes and fatalities,” Sharma said. He emphasized that safety protocols, local guidance, and better weather awareness must be prioritized before undertaking solo flights in high-altitude areas.
Russian Pilot Goes Missing Near Jalsu Pass
In a separate incident, a Russian paraglider, identified as Pavel Sukhotskiy (39), went missing on Tuesday after taking off from Billing in Kangra district. His last known location was near the Jalsu mountain pass, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,800 metres.
According to BPA Director Suresh Thakur, contact has been established with the stranded pilot through radio communication. “Pavel has suffered minor injuries but is safe. A helicopter sortie will be conducted on Wednesday to evacuate him,” Thakur confirmed. Authorities have advised pilots to exercise extreme caution as winter flying conditions become increasingly unpredictable in the Himalayan region.
