Slovenian paraglider Davor Podbregar had incredible luck when he took off from a hill on Pelješac on Thursday, August 6, 2026. A flight from 600 meters instantly turned into a fight for his life after strong winds tangled part of his wing in the lines.
Wing Entered a Spiral, Drama Ensued
Podbregar told Net.hr that shortly after takeoff, the glider's left side got tangled in what is known as a 'cravat.' He tried to fix the problem, but the situation quickly worsened, and the wing soon entered a spiral.
Realizing he had little time, he made a decision that saved his life. "At the last moment, I grabbed the reserve parachute and deployed it," the paraglider recounted the crucial moment.
Experience, Composure, and a Stroke of Luck
Although he believes that his experience and composure helped him react correctly in the extreme situation, Podbregar admits that luck also played a decisive role. "The reserve parachute opened in time. It could have easily ended tragically," he added.
His descent ended with a fall into bushes, but he escaped without serious injuries. The incident on Pelješac serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictability of extreme sports and the importance of having proper safety equipment and the knowledge to use it.