Bayram Kurt, an experienced paraglider from Antalya, has died after falling around 30 metres shortly after launching during a paragliding festival in the Oğuzlar district of Çorum, Turkey, with authorities now investigating the cause of the crash.
A 48-year-old paraglider has died after falling approximately 30 metres (about 100 feet) shortly after take-off during a paragliding festival in Turkey’s Çorum province. Bayram Kurt, from Antalya, was taking part in the Oğuzlar 3. Geleneksel Yamaç Paraşütü ve Yayla Şenlikleri (Traditional Paragliding and Plateau Festival) on July 18, 2026, when the accident occurred. He had launched from the 1,540-metre Tekke Dağı and came down near the launch area. Emergency services responded quickly, but he could not be saved at Oğuzlar State Hospital.
What happened
According to witnesses, Kurt lost altitude shortly after take-off. Emergency teams, who were already stationed at the event, responded within minutes, but he had sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead following treatment. The exact cause of the accident, whether related to the paraglider’s lines, equipment, wind conditions or another factor, has not been confirmed in initial reports. Footage circulating online reportedly shows the canopy in flight before a sudden issue and collapse.
The festival and its organisers
The accident took place during the third edition of the Traditional Paragliding and Plateau Festival, an event organised to promote tourism and outdoor sports in the Oğuzlar district. Kurt was described as an experienced paraglider who had travelled from Antalya specifically to take part in the festival. Following the crash, organisers halted paragliding activities at the event while officials assessed the circumstances surrounding it.
Investigation under way
Authorities have launched an official investigation into the cause of the crash, including examinations of the paraglider and other equipment used during the flight. The Çorum Governor’s Office and local gendarmerie are involved in the inquiry. Officials have not yet confirmed whether weather conditions, equipment failure or pilot-related factors contributed to the accident, and investigations remain ongoing.
This is a developing story and further details may emerge as the investigation continues.
