Martin Gwosdz, an acro pilot from Bavaria, Germany, suffered a fatal accident on Saturday 18 December. He was 32-years-old.
Martin was flying acro in Brauneck, a ski resort in southern Germany when the accident happened. According to local press reports he got into trouble while low at about 3 pm as an acro session came to a close. Pilot witnesses said he was trying to exit an Infinite Tumble.
He threw both of his reserves but both tangled in the main canopy. Already low he crashed in the car park of the Brauneck ski lift. Despite an ambulance crew that attended quickly, Martin died of his injuries at the scene.
Martin was a well-liked figure on the German acro scene. A 3D animator and graphic artist he worked to fly after learning acro five years ago. He was a respected pilot who, according to friend U-Turn designer Ernst Strobl was well trained and always alert.
“I am deeply saddened and in mourning,” Ernst told a local paper.
Cross Country extends sincere condolences to Martin’s friends and family.
• Send news to us at news@xccontent.local
Subscribe to the world’s favourite hang gliding and paragliding magazine