A paragliding pilot in India has become the center of an online storm after a video showed him plucking leaves from treetops mid-flight, apparently to impress a female passenger. The footage, which has amassed over 2 million views on social media, captures the pilot skillfully maneuvering the paraglider close to tree branches and snatching leaves while the passenger screams in excitement and fear.
Daring mid-air stunt draws mixed reactions
In the clip, the pilot is seen flying at a low altitude over a forested area. He repeatedly dips the paraglider toward the canopy, reaching out to grab leaves from the treetops. The female passenger can be heard laughing and shouting, "Oh my God!" as the pilot performs the stunt. The video was reportedly shot in the hill station of Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, a popular paragliding destination.
According to local paragliding instructors, the pilot is a known adventure enthusiast who often tries to impress passengers with aerial tricks. However, the Civil Aviation Ministry has expressed concern over the incident, stating that such maneuvers violate safety protocols. "Paragliding is a regulated activity, and any stunt that compromises safety is strictly prohibited," a ministry official said.
Safety concerns and regulatory backlash
The video has sparked a debate among netizens. While some praised the pilot's skill, others criticized him for reckless behavior. "This is not bravery; it's stupidity. One wrong move and both could have died," a user commented on Twitter. Another wrote, "This is why we need stricter enforcement of paragliding rules."
Bir Billing is known for its paragliding sites, attracting thousands of tourists annually. The incident has prompted local authorities to review safety guidelines. "We are investigating the matter and will take appropriate action against the pilot if found guilty of violating norms," said a spokesperson for the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department.
Viral fame and potential consequences
The pilot, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly performed the stunt to impress the female passenger, who was a first-time flyer. The video has been shared widely on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, garnering millions of views. However, aviation experts warn that such stunts could lead to accidents. "Paragliding requires precision and adherence to safety measures. Stunts like this can destabilize the glider and cause a crash," said Captain R. S. Sandhu, a retired Indian Air Force pilot and paragliding enthusiast.
As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the fine line between adventure and recklessness. The Civil Aviation Ministry has urged paragliding operators to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
