Sabrina survives horrifying aerial collision through calm courage, emergency parachute action and extraordinary survival instinct.
A terrifying mid-air collision in northern Austria left a paraglider fighting for her life after a small sightseeing plane tore through her canopy high above the ground.
The incident occurred on May 23, when 44-year-old Sabrina was paragliding in clear weather and a Cessna 172 suddenly crossed into her path. Footage posted online showed the aircraft’s wing and propeller slicing through the paraglider canopy just feet above her head, shredding the fabric and sending her into a dangerous spiral.
With her main canopy destroyed and parachute lines tangled around her, Sabrina was forced into a rapid fall. Despite the shock, she remained calm and managed to deploy her emergency reserve parachute before freeing herself from the lines.
She landed safely, narrowly missing a tree, and later said she could hardly believe she had survived the ordeal. Sabrina suffered only bruises and minor injuries, despite the dramatic nature of the crash.
Police said the damaged canopy forced her to activate the reserve chute. She was later airlifted by police helicopter for medical evaluation.
The 28-year-old pilot of the Cessna also landed safely at Zell am See Airport and told authorities he could not have avoided the paraglider.
Both survived without serious injuries, but officials credited Sabrina’s quick thinking and composure with preventing what could have become a fatal tragedy.
