Paraglider dies after mid-air collision with hang glider

A tragic incident occurred on November 20, 2025, when 59-year-old Philip Eric Haegler died after his paraglider collided with a hang glider in Sao Conrado, Brazil, just two days before his 60th birthday. The flight instructor, Sergio Manoel da Silva, has been indicted for culpable homicide due to alleged negligence and failure to adhere to safety protocols. Da Silva, who claimed a brief distraction caused the accident, stated that Haegler had the right of way under aviation rules. The case is now with prosecutors for potential charges.

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