(Updated- 12:22 p.m.) A Shirley man flying a single occupancy paraglider crashed to the ground near the Enterprise Park at Calverton’s (EPCAL) inactive runway Sunday morning.
Marcello Iraba, 49, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital with two broken femurs and other non-lifethreatening injuries, according to police.
The man was conscious and alert, police said.
“It’s a very popular growing sport in the U.S.,” said a man on the scene who identified himself as the victim’s friend. “Sometimes people have accidents.”
Paragliding is an extreme sport involving a foot-launched, lightweight aircraft suspended by a single fabric wing. There is usually no engine involved, however, the paraglider in question was a powered model. The aircraft maintains lift through the shape of the wing, which is kept inflated by incoming air. The paragliding pilot sits in a harness and launches the device from the ground.
The Federal Aviation Administration and Riverhead Police detectives are investigating, according to a police press release. No criminal charges have been filed at this time, though the investigation is ongoing, police said. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Riverhead Town Police Department at 631-727-4500 (ext, 327). All calls will be kept confidential.
Manorville Fire Department and Manorville Community Ambulance Corps both responded to the scene.
Peter Blasl contributed reporting.
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