This review of 12 paragliding accidents in the Aspen, Colorado, area o
ver a nearly 2-year period identifies causative factors and common mec
hanisms of injury and assesses the nature and severity of the injuries
. Pilot error in judgment was the most frequent cause of accident. Low
er-extremity and spinal compression fractures are common during forcef
ul landings. Free-fall accidents, however, typically cause more seriou
s pelvic, chest, and abdominal trauma.