The paragliding accident in Turkey has once again raised safety concerns in one of the country’s most popular adventure tourism destinations.
An 81-year-old German citizen, Volker Gerhard Wagner, lost his life after launching a solo paragliding flight from Babadağ, a renowned paragliding site located in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident occurred at an altitude of 1,700 meters on Babadağ, a mountain famous for its panoramic views over the Ölüdeniz coastline. Shortly after takeoff, Wagner’s parachute wing reportedly collapsed, causing him to plummet onto the rocky terrain below. Emergency teams from the Jandarma Search and Rescue unit (JAK) and the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the crash.
Upon arrival, rescue personnel confirmed that Wagner had died at the scene. His body was subsequently transported to the Muğla Forensic Medicine Institution for autopsy procedures. Local authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the accident, focusing on potential equipment failure and environmental conditions.
Recent Fatalities Raise Alarms
This is not the first fatal paragliding incident reported in Babadağ this spring. On April 23, 2025, a tragic tandem flight claimed the lives of 29-year-old pilot Tevfik Tek and 22-year-old passenger Mehmet Buğra Silen. In that incident, the parachute wing also collapsed shortly after takeoff, leading to a deadly crash into rocky terrain.
Recent Fatalities in Babadağ
| Date | Victim(s) | Age(s) | Type of Flight | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 May 2025 | Volker Gerhard Wagner | 81 | Solo | Wing collapse after takeoff |
| 23 April 2025 | Tevfik Tek & Mehmet Buğra Silen | 29 & 22 | Tandem | Wing collapse shortly after takeoff |
Babadağ: Beauty and Risk in Equal Measure
Babadağ is one of the world’s premier paragliding spots, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers every year with its perfect thermal conditions and postcard-worthy scenery. The location offers launch platforms at various altitudes, ranging from 1,200 to 1,900 meters, and is particularly popular during the spring and summer months.
However, the increase in accidents over recent years has raised serious questions about flight safety, pilot training, and equipment maintenance. While paragliding is inherently risky, multiple accidents in a short period may indicate systemic issues within local operations or regulatory oversight.
Safety Investigations Underway
Local law enforcement and aviation authorities are now expected to carry out a thorough investigation to determine whether Wagner’s equipment had undergone proper safety checks and whether weather conditions played a role. The findings could influence future safety protocols and flight regulations for both local and international operators flying from Babadağ.
As the tourism season ramps up, Turkish authorities may also face increased pressure from international tourists and travel agencies to ensure improved risk management and transparency in paragliding operations.
Fethiye’s tourism economy heavily depends on outdoor adventure activities such as paragliding, diving, and hiking. Ensuring safety not only protects lives but also sustains the region’s global reputation as a top-tier destination for nature and adrenaline enthusiasts.
