Update:
The Air Accident Investigation Unit confirmed: “Two Inspectors of Air Accidents from the AAIU travelled to the accident site on Monday to carry out a survey of the site and an initial technical examination of the powered hang glider. The hang glider and engine were recovered to the AAIU aircraft hangar in Gormanston where further technical examinations will be carried out.
A Final Report will be published in due course.
The AAIU has been notified of a fatal accident involving a powered hang glider near Miltown Malbay Co. Clare. Two Inspectors of Air Accidents are deploying to the scene to conduct a survey of the accident site and an initial technical examination of the powered hang glider.
— AAIU IRELAND (@aaiu_ireland) September 19, 2022
A man has died after the powered hang-glider he was piloting crashed in Co Clare this afternoon.
The circumstances of the tragedy are still unclear however it’s understood the incident occurred at around 4.45pm in field off the Ballard Road about a kilometre from Miltown Malbay.
National Ambulance Service paramedics, units of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service from Ennistymon station and Gardaí rushed to the scene.
The Athlone-based Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) air ambulance was also tasked to the incident. The man was however pronounced dead at the scene.
While there is some confusion about the type of aircraft involved, it’s believed to have been a powered hang-glider.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport has been notified of the accident and is expected to send inspectors to the scene early on Monday. Gardaí have preserved the scene pending the arrival of the AAIU inspectors.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed: “Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare that occurred this afternoon.
A male was fatally injured when a motor propelled glider he was flying crashed. The body of the man remains at the scene. The scene is currently preserved and the Air Accident Investigation Unit has been notified.”
