Hang gliding injuries in California

Hang gliding continues to grow rapidly despite an increasing awareness of inherent risks. This report describes 144 injuries and 37 deaths in California during the period 1973 through 1975. More accidents were caused by inflight errors of judgment than by equipment failure. Nonfatal injuries showed a surprising number of severe upper extremity and spine injuries, while fatally injured pilots had combined head, neck, and chest trauma. A distinction between pilot education and experience is important. Improved safety equipment and education are recommended.