This is the dramatic moment a paramotor crashed into power lines and plunged into a river.

Footage captured by onlooker Dusty Howlett shows the powered paraglider sparking on impact before falling into the Red River in North Dakota on July 8.

Dusty, who was nearby at the time with a friend, reported that the pilot was conscious and waving while still in the water.

He said: 'He landed in the river and was waving and talking to us - water rescue is here now, so hopefully he will be okay.

'If you have a recreational aircraft, please be careful and pay attention to your surroundings!'

Authorities said the aviator had been flying low and, due to the sun obstructing visibility, the pilot failed to see the overhead power lines.

A rescue boat was sent out, and the pilot was found safe and uninjured.