ROCKINGHAM — A man was airlifted from the Richmond County Airport late last week from what has been described as a “freak accident.”
A powered paraglider pilot was attempting to take off late Friday afternoon when he failed to gain lift, leading to the propeller hitting the ground and breaking, cutting the pilot’s arm, according to Darren Locklear of Carolina PPG.
First responders from the East Rockingham Fire Department, Richmond County Rescue Squad, FirstHealth EMS and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the scene. Richmond County Emergency Services was also notified.
The pilot was flown out by UNC Air Care for treatment of his injuries.
Locklear said he has never seen an accident like this before.
This was the second emergency at the airport in October.
On Oct. 7, a small plane wound up in the woods while trying to take off from the grass field. No one was injured in that incident.
