Speedglider pilot crashes into tree canopy in Hatting

A 54-year-old speedglider pilot was injured after hitting the crown of a 20-metre tree in Hatting, in the Innsbruck-Land district, on Saturday, ORF reported. Mountain rescue teams and an emergency medical helicopter retrieved him from the tree.

The Austrian had taken off at about 10.45 a.m. near Rauher Kopf or Archbrandkopf. He was flying fast and close to the ground, following the terrain, when he lost altitude after a control manoeuvre and struck the tree. Police said the impact broke off its crown.

Two hikers heard a whistling or hissing sound, followed by the impact, and called emergency services. The pilot was flown to a clinic in Innsbruck.