Inquest Hears Paraglider Fought for Control Before Fatal Cliff Impact

An inquest revealed that a paraglider with extensive experience was observed struggling to manage his gear prior to a deadly impact with a cliff in the Lake District. Malcolm Grout, aged 63, passed away on February 25 at Sharp Edge, located on Blencathra in Cumbria. A witness testifying at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court recounted observing “uncontrolled flips and rotations” immediately preceding “the weather blew him sideways into the mountainside with a large bang.” Cumbria coroner Kirsty Gomersal, while acknowledging the father of two, determined his death to be accidental. The inquest also heard that Mr. Grout was a highly regarded pilot and instructor who helped disabled individuals participate in the sport via the Flyability charity. He kept detailed records of his flights in logbooks and was accustomed to flying in various meteorological conditions, according to the inquest proceedings. The inquest revealed that during the initial phase of his flight, Mr. Grout encountered thermal air, enabling him to achieve a substantial increase in altitude. His final radio transmission to other individuals indicated he was experiencing “quite a bit of sink” while traversing Bannerdale Crags, yet he characterized the conditions as “working well.” His son, Rob, informed the court that his father’s choice to go “straight-lining it over the ridges” was “not the normal route.” Rob further stated, “He would have just been waiting for a thermal to pop off in a place that we know is a stupid place. “He did regularly fly into places that a lot of people would have certainly hesitated. “He fully understood what he was doing and the risks he was taking and he was comfortable with that risk.” Eyewitnesses observed him abruptly ascend approximately 9-12 meters (30-40 feet). One witness remarked, “I could see he was pulling on the [paraglider] handles,” adding, “I could see that something wasn’t right. I could see that he was struggling to control it.” Mr. Grout’s canopy then collapsed, resulting in his immediate death due to numerous injuries suffered upon impact with the cliff. A rescue team dispatched to the location reported discovering Mr. Grout’s helmet approximately 100 meters away from his position. An investigation conducted by the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association concluded that Mr. Grout’s equipment did not contribute to the incident. The inquiry determined that turbulent air was present at the time, leading to an “asymmetric collapse.” It was also noted that even if an emergency parachute had been installed, its successful deployment might not have been feasible. The coroner stated that Mr. Grout, who was born in Birmingham and resided in Guisborough prior to relocating to Cumbria, was considered a “friend to many.” Ms. Gomersal, who also acknowledged the efforts of the rescue personnel, further commented: “I have no doubt that he will be sorely missed, not just by his family but by the flying community.”