The fatal accident involved a paramotor like the one seen in this image. Pawan Singh / The National
The fatal accident involved a paramotor like the one seen in this image. Pawan Singh / The National

South African pilot dies after paramotor crashes in Dubai desert



A pilot died after his paramotor crashed in the Dubai desert.

The accident happened on Sunday in Marghem, an area of desert to the far south of the city.

The Air Accidents Investigation Division at the General Civil Aviation Authority is investigating. The pilot was South African, a statement said.

A paramotor has an engine and a parachute that work in tandem to lift the aircraft into the air.

The area is home to several adventure attractions including Skydive Dubai's desert campus, hot air balloon companies and paramotoring schools.

Investigators did not identify the venue associated with the accident, but said it was not linked to Skydive Dubai or its operations.

Our legal advisor

Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation. 

Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.

if you go

The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.

The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.

 

 

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

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Updated: September 07, 2022, 8:36 AM