A hang-gliding instructor and his passenger have tragically died after plunging into the sea during a tandem flight at one of the world’s most famous free flight spots.
The horror unfolded on Saturday (21 Feb) morning after experienced pilot Rodolfo Pascoal Ladeira took off from the Pedra Bonita ramp in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Moments later, the hang glider crashed into the sea near the landing area.
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Rodolfo was pronounced dead at the scene.
His passenger, 37-year-old American tourist Jenny Colon Rodriguez, was pulled from the water in a critical condition and rushed to hospital while receiving CPR – but later died from her injuries, as reported by Need To Know.
According to her social media profiles, Jenny was originally from New York City and had been living in Clinton, North Carolina.
Rodolfo’s devastated wife of 24 years, Liliana Almeida, told local media: “I was with him, working alongside him – I used to help out.
“I was there at the time. I saw everything happen. It was incredibly sad.
“He loved what he did. He did it purely for the love of it. If he wasn’t flying for pleasure, he was flying for work. He was truly passionate about it.”
Jenny’s body was taken to the Forensic Medical Institute, while the US consulate confirmed it is monitoring the case and providing assistance.
The cause of the crash is now under investigation.
The São Conrado Free Flight Club said the equipment used was up to date with inspections and that Rodolfo held all the required qualifications.
The hang glider has since been recovered and sent for forensic analysis.
Rodolfo had 16 years’ experience in the sport and was a well-known figure in Brazil’s free flight community.
The Brazilian Free Flight Confederation said he had logged more than 350 take-offs from 50 different launch sites with a paraglider and also held a hang-gliding licence.
José Carlos Srour de Mello, president of the São Conrado Free Flight Club, said: “He was a record-holding paraglider pilot and instructor.
“He competed in Brazilian and South American championships, achieving excellent results.”
He leaves behind a daughter, Giovanna Almeida, who paid tribute, saying: “He was incredibly talented. He leaves a huge legacy for all of us.”
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