Experienced paraglider died after cliff crash

An experienced paraglider died in an accident after colliding with a cliff face, an inquest has heard.

Malcolm Grout, a 63-year-old retired teacher, known as Malc, died on 25 February after an incident on Blencathra in the Lake District.

Witnesses believe the wings were affected by some downwards wind, which pushed him towards the cliff.

Mr Grout, of Great Broughton, near Cockermouth, was a well-known and much-loved member of the paragliding community.

At Cockermouth Coroner's Court on Tuesday, assistant coroner for Cumbria, Margaret Taylor, outlined the moments leading up to Mr Grout’s death.

She said after taking off from the top of Carrock Fell, he realised the wind conditions were too light, landed at the bottom and walked up, taking off again shortly after.

She said: “After take-off he climbed very high into the air and was seen by other paragliders to head off in the south west direction - his flight plan was to head towards Threlkeld.

“About 30 minutes later, he radioed other paragliders to tell them that he was experiencing sinking air on his way, and he was now at Bannerdale Crags.

“This was the last communication that anyone had with him.

“Other paragliders stated that the way in which he collided with the cliff makes it seem as though there has been some downwards wind which affected the wings and pushed Malcolm towards the cliff.”

Mr Grout was found at Sharp Edge along with his parachute, and his helmet was found around 328 ft (100 m) from him.

Witnesses called the emergency services, but when mountain rescue volunteers and the Great North Air Ambulance Service attended, Mr Grout had died.

Ms Taylor adjourned the hearing while inquiries continue.

A full inquest is scheduled to take place on 1 August.

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