Sparks Fly In Grand Forks As Glider Hits Power Line

An incredible moment was caught on video in Grand Forks, North Dakota, when a powered paraglider crashed into power lines before falling into the Red River.

The incident happened on the evening of July 9 near the Riverside Dam boat ramp. The video, captured by Dusty Howlett, shows the small aircraft approaching from the river and making contact with a power line. Bright sparks shot from the line as the paraglider made contact before tumbling into the water below.

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Paraglider Crashes Into Power Lines in Grand Forks

KVRR-TV reports that the Grand Forks Fire Department was dispatched around 9 PM. Upon arrival, first responders spotted the pilot in the river. Nate Millard, another witness, said he rushed to the boat ramp and saw the man briefly pop his head above water. Bystanders shouted to the pilot, who waved in response.

Emergency crews quickly launched a rescue boat and brought the pilot safely to shore. Amazingly, he was not injured.

Howlett later commented, “Anyone that flies that sort of thing, you know, they like to take a little bit of risk, and they like the adventure and the excitement. It could have been way worse.”

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Paraglider Safety: A Risky Hobby

While powered paragliding offers a thrilling bird's-eye view of the landscape, it does come with risks. Common hazards include power lines, trees, sudden wind changes, and equipment malfunctions.

According to the United States Powered Paragliding Association, most accidents happen due to pilot error or poor weather conditions. Though serious injuries are relatively rare, crashes like this highlight the importance of situational awareness and flying within safe zones—especially in populated areas near power infrastructure.