Jacksonville Man Killed in Paraglider Crash in Onslow County

A 47-year-old Jacksonville man was killed in a tragic paragliding accident Sunday evening in Onslow County, North Carolina, according to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities identified the victim as Johnathon Witte, who was pronounced dead at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune after being transported from the crash scene.

Deputies said they were notified around 5:15 p.m. Sunday of a reported paraglider crash on Southwest Plantation Boulevard in Maple Hill.

Responding officers found the paraglider tangled in trees, with the pilot, Mr. Witte, lying on the ground nearby. Emergency responders provided aid before transporting him to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the crash. Investigators are examining whether equipment malfunction, weather conditions, or flight error contributed to the fatal accident.

While recreational paragliding is growing in popularity across the United States, it remains a high-risk aerial sport that demands proper training, equipment inspection, and adherence to safety protocols.

Paragliding accidents may result from:

• Equipment failure (such as torn wings, faulty harnesses, or defective carabiners)
• Pilot error or inexperience
• Sudden weather changes or strong wind currents
• Improper takeoff or landing procedures
• Negligent supervision by flight instructors or training facilities

If negligence, defective equipment, or a lack of maintenance played any role in this tragedy, the victim’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Claims in Recreational Aviation Accidents

When a fatal accident occurs due to negligence or defective design, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim to pursue justice and financial recovery.

Typically the surviving spouse, children, or parents — may seek damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses related to the injury
• Loss of the deceased’s income and future earning potential
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Emotional pain and suffering of the survivors

In cases involving defective gear or negligent instruction, liability may extend to:

• Equipment manufacturers or distributors
• Paragliding schools or tour operators
• Maintenance providers or instructors

Unlike commercial aviation, paragliding offers minimal structural protection to the pilot. A single equipment failure, sudden gust of wind, or miscalculation during descent can cause a catastrophic fall from hundreds of feet.

Common injuries and fatalities in paragliding accidents stem from:

• Parachute deployment failures
• Loss of lift or canopy collapse
• Tree or powerline entanglement
• Impact with terrain during landing attempts

These accidents often occur too quickly for pilots to recover, leaving families devastated and searching for answers.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in aviation, recreational flight, and product liability accidents.

Our attorneys conduct independent investigations, working with aviation engineers and safety experts to uncover the truth behind every crash. We focus on building strong, evidence-based cases that reveal whether the accident resulted from:

• Equipment defect or design flaw
• Improper training or supervision
• Maintenance negligence
• Operator or company misconduct

We understand that families want more than financial compensation — they want accountability, closure, and change that prevents future tragedies.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish. You pay no fees unless we win, and we advance all litigation costs.