On-Lookers Horrified as Paraglider Hits Power Line Plummeting Into River in North Dakota [WATCH]

A stunning accident caught on camera in North Dakota shows a paraglider colliding with a power line and crashing into the Red River — yet somehow walking away without a scratch.

The dramatic footage, which surfaced online this week, captures the heart-stopping moment in Grand Forks as a motorized paraglider cruises above the Red River just after sunset on Tuesday.

What appears to be a routine flight suddenly turns catastrophic. As the paraglider hovers near the riverbank, the wing snags a power line stretched across the water.

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Immediately, a burst of electric blue sparks and a flash of flame erupt from the line, signaling the jolt of high-voltage contact.

Within seconds, the paraglider’s propeller-driven cart flips, entangled in the power lines. The tangled machine, now upside-down, drops into the water below in a violent crash.

Despite the terrifying scene, the pilot survived the fall without any injuries.

In fact, according to local news outlet KVRR, the Grand Forks Fire Department responded promptly to the emergency call and managed to retrieve the pilot from the river with the help of a rescue boat.

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“Incredibly, the paraglider walked away from this uninjured,” KVRR reported.

The incident unfolded just after sunset on Tuesday night. Witnesses nearby saw the entire situation unfold in real time and quickly alerted authorities, likely saving valuable time in mounting a rescue.

Had there been no one around to witness the crash or call for help, the outcome could have been very different.

Though the pilot emerged physically unharmed, the paraglider itself was not so lucky. The wing and machinery involved in powered paragliding are costly — with entry-level wings starting around $3,000.

The value of the entire setup, including the motorized cart, likely pushes that number significantly higher. What began as an evening joyride turned into a very expensive mistake.

Image Credit: Screenshot, X / @JimMonk1

“Paraglider wings start at about $3,000 … so this was one costly mistake!!!” KVRR noted.

Powered paragliding, while often considered a relatively safe and accessible form of aviation, still comes with significant risks.

Pilots operate lightweight aircrafts equipped with parachute-like wings and either foot-launched or cart-mounted engines that give them the ability to fly at low altitudes.

But flying near infrastructure — especially power lines — dramatically increases the risk of incidents like this one.

The FAA and local aviation authorities typically recommend pilots steer well clear of power lines, trees, and other hazards — especially in low-light conditions.

The fact that this accident happened after sunset may also raise concerns about visibility and judgment in marginal flying conditions.

What makes this particular event even more astonishing is how perfectly it was captured on video.

Image Credit: Screenshot, X / @JimMonk1

The footage offers a rare glimpse into the dangers of powered flight and underscores just how quickly things can go wrong. From the initial contact with the wire to the moment the craft crashes into the river, the entire sequence lasts only seconds.

As investigations or follow-up assessments unfold, questions may arise about the pilot’s flight plan, experience level, and whether local aviation rules were followed.

At the same time, the event serves as a cautionary tale for other paragliders and hobby aviators about the importance of situational awareness and flying within safe environments — especially when dealing with power lines or operating near urban infrastructure.

Ultimately, this story ends on a fortunate note. Thanks to the quick thinking of nearby witnesses and the efficient response from the Grand Forks Fire Department, what could have been a tragic incident became an astonishing tale of survival.

Whether the pilot plans to fly again remains unknown — but they’ll almost certainly think twice before taking to the skies near power lines.

WATCH BELOW:

WATCH: A paraglider flew into overhead powerlines and was rescued after crashing into the Red River near Grand Forks, N.D. https://t.co/R5zfcHpby4 pic.twitter.com/Tj2A9VEbWj

— Jim Monk (@JimMonk1) July 9, 2025

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