Investigation report on accident involving Niviuk Artik R paraglider published
The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) today (October 5) published the Investigation Report IVR-2026-04 on the investigation into an impact with a grass area accident involving a Niviuk Artik R paraglider preparing for landing at Ngong Ping, Ma On Shan, on February 11, 2025.
The Air Accident Investigation Authority
At 12.10pm that day, the paraglider pilot took off solo from a paragliding area in Ngong Ping. After flying for about 23 minutes and preparing for landing, the paraglider impacted the grass area. The pilot sustained injuries and fell into a coma.
The investigation found that he exerted too much left brake on the EN-C glider he flew to adjust his landing approach, probably due to negative transfer from his extensive and recent experience flying EN-B paragliders. As a result, the left side of the wing stalled, causing the paraglider to enter a left-hand spin and eventually impact the grass area.
The investigation team has issued one safety recommendation to the Hong Kong China Paragliding Association and the International Paragliding Association. The recommendation is to alert all participants of paragliding in Hong Kong, when transitioning between different classes of gliders, on the importance of taking defensive measures to mitigate the risks of negative transfer.
The investigation was conducted by a team of professional investigators in strict adherence to international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). "The objective of the investigation was to identify the circumstances and causes of the accident with a view to preventing a recurrence," an AAIA spokesperson said.
Throughout the investigation, all parties concerned were properly consulted on the report. The report is available for downloading on the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).
The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the ICAO standards.
Paraglider, Photo source: reference image
InnoCarnival 2026 to run from October 24 to November 1
Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), the InnoCarnival 2026 (IC 2026) will be held for nine consecutive days from October 24 to November 1 at the Hong Kong Science Park with the theme of "Lead with I&T Dream to Fly High". Public admission is free. The event is receiving support from over 40 programme partners, including local universities, research and development (R&D) centres, government departments and other organisations. By showcasing a number of local innovations and research achievements, the event will offer the public an opportunity to experience the vibrant innovation and technology (I&T) development scene in Hong Kong, as well as the diverse applications of these innovations.
Speaking at the media preview for IC 2026 today (October 5), the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, said, "Dr Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong's first payload specialist, participated in our country's space mission in May this year, proving that the dream of space exploration is not out of reach. This year's Carnival will feature an aerospace thematic zone to showcase research projects of local universities and their contributions to our country's space exploration missions, hoping to inspire more young people to explore the unknown and pursue their dreams."
The media preview exhibited the R&D projects of several participating teams. Project team representatives presented their inspirational ideas, R&D processes, features and functions, and project applications. These projects include the greenhouse gas monitoring instrument "MUSICO", spearheaded by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and operated by Dr Lai on the Tiangong Space Station. This fully demonstrates the research capability of local universities' R&D teams in the fields of aerospace technology, as well as their important contributions to the country's space mission.
In addition, the Hong Kong Productivity Council introduced its "Autonomous Air-ground Cooperative Tunnel Inspector". With the synergy of AI, robotics and total-station positioning techniques, the system is employed in the Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel project to carry out tunnel inspections, bringing intelligence, automation and digital advancement to tunnel inspections in Hong Kong. This system won the Gold Award at the 2025 Edison Awards, gaining international recognition.
Representatives from Po Leung Kuk Celine Ho Yam Tong College introduced the "Hydroguard - AI-powered Water-quality Monitoring Platform", a compact AI-powered water quality monitoring platform that integrates automated screening, data collection and real-time environmental monitoring. The platform not only improves the accuracy, efficiency and accessibility of water quality testing, but also enables a faster identification of and response to contamination risks, supporting safer and more sustainable water resource management.
IC 2026 exhibition booths will be set up to showcase local I&T achievements, some of them with interactive games. A diverse line-up of about 150 workshops and over 10 webinars across various subjects including aerospace technology and AI will be available during the Carnival. All activities are free of charge. Some of the activities require preregistration, which will begin at 10.30am on October 6 (Tuesday). Details are available at the thematic webpage (innocarnival.hk). Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the public are most welcome to join. During the Carnival, free shuttle bus services will be provided between Hong Kong Science Park and various districts, including MTR University Station, Tai Wai Station, Kowloon Tong Station, and Admiralty Station, as well as the new routes at Yuen Long Station and Tseung Kwan O Station, offering convenient access for visitors.
InnoCarnival 2026 will run from October 24 to November 1. Photo shows students of Po Leung Kuk Celine Ho Yam Tong College who developed the "Hydroguard - AI-powered Water-quality Monitoring Platform". Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 will run from October 24 to November 1. Photo shows the "Autonomous Air-ground Cooperative Tunnel Inspector" developed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council and employed in the Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel project to carry out tunnel inspections. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 will run from October 24 to November 1. Photo shows the greenhouse gas monitoring instrument "MUSICO" spearheaded by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, attended the media preview of InnoCarnival 2026 today (October 5). Photo shows Mr Lee (centre) with representatives of the participating teams from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and Po Leung Kuk Celine Ho Yam Tong College. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
