In a sobering account, two professional pilots, one with military and the other with civilian expertise, embarked on a paramotor flight in Charleston. Unfortunately, during the morning flight, one of the pilots encountered low-level wind shear at approximately 300 feet, resulting in a violent collapse and subsequent crash. The pilot sustained injuries, including a broken neck and back, but, remarkably, is expected to recover without significant side effects.

Myself and a friend, both professional pilots in the military and civilian sectors, have been flying paramotors. We flew one morning early in Charleston, South Carolina and I encountered low-level wind shear at about 300 feet which caused a violent collapse and crash. I ended up breaking my neck and back but very fortunately, will recover without significant side effects. A few lessons were learned, and I'd like others in this sport to see this and have it help make prudent decisions on flying and weather.