Well-known paraglider killed in crash when chute collapses

Paragliding from wikimedia



CHELAN BUTTE -- A 55-year-old man was killed Wednesday when his paraglider chute collapsed and he plummeted rapidly to the ground.

David A. Norwood of Wapato, Wash., was paragliding around 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Chelan Butte area of Chelan County when his chute collapsed and he rapidly fell, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office said.

Witnesses ran about 150 yards downhill to Norwood and administered aid, but he was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene once aid workers arrived.

Norwood was well-known within the paraglider community, sheriff's deputies said.

Deputies are investigating the accident.

Chelan Butte is a popular area for wind recreation activities, and is often billed as one of the premier hang gliding locations in the world.