Michael Frank Bostock · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 13 December 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Michael Frank Bostock (dob: 11 April 1958; dod: 12 December 2017). The investigation concluded by way of an inquest hearing on 24 March 2020 (a copy of the record of inquest is enclosed with the covering letter to this report). My findings at inquest were as follows: -

- Medical cause of death: -
1a Chest injuries.
1b Paraglider crash.

- My conclusion as to Michael’s death was a short form conclusion of accident.

I stated at the end of the inquest that my intention was to send this report to the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA).

Michael died on 12 December 2017 at Stanage Edge near Hathersage in Derbyshire as a result of his paraglider wing collapsing in strong turbulent wind which caused him to crash and hit the ground in a fast and heavy impact. He sustained serious chest injuries and died at the scene. On the evidence the wind conditions had initially been good but suddenly deteriorated and Michael had been manoeuvring to land when the wing collapse occurred. Witness evidence portrayed Michael as an experienced, competent and diligent paraglider pilot.

1. There does not appear to be clear guidance as to specifications for speed bar lines. Advice appears to be necessary to paraglider pilots for them to ensure that a line of the appropriate standard and specification is used to connect the speed bar to the paraglider risers. The BHPA is in a position to provide advice to pilots and to liaise with leading paraglider manufacturers.

2. Existing BHPA guidance to pilots for pre-flight checks does not appear to include inspection of speed bar lines and associated elements of the paraglider. Speed bar inspection could be included with the general and standard pre-flight inspection.

3. Paraglider pilots are of different sizes and weights and on the evidence presented to me the speed bar systems should be configured and set-up to take account of such differences. Again the BHPA is placed to consider providing advice to pilots.

It appears to me that paragliding is a surprisingly unregulated activity, given the risks, and in this context it is crucial that the BHPA as the governing body for the activity considers the need for further guidance to pilots on the concerns which I have raised.