Paraglider crashes near Bird Ridge, AFD says

A paraglider was taken to the hospital after the person crashed near a popular hiking area in Anchorage.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:50am

A sweeping, majestic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, featuring dramatic snow-capped mountains and a small, obscured paraglider silhouette dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the natural environment.The stunning natural beauty of Alaska's wilderness serves as a backdrop for a paragliding incident that highlights the inherent risks of the sport.Anchorage Today

The Anchorage Fire Department responded to a report of a paraglider crash near Bird Ridge on Saturday evening. The paraglider was wearing a helmet and was transported to the hospital, but their condition is unknown. The incident caused a small backup on the nearby Seward Highway as first responders arrived on the scene.

Why it matters

Paragliding is a popular recreational activity in the Anchorage area, but crashes can be dangerous and disruptive, especially in populated areas near major roads. This incident highlights the risks involved and the importance of safety protocols for paragliders.

The details

According to the Anchorage Fire Department, the paraglider crash occurred not long before 9 p.m. near the Bird Ridge area, which is close to the Seward Highway. Video posted online showed a small backup on the highway as first responders were on the scene. The Anchorage Police Department said it was not aware of any road closures related to the incident.

  • The paraglider crash occurred on Saturday evening, around 9 p.m.

The players

Anchorage Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the paraglider crash and transported the injured person to the hospital.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in paragliding and the need for strict safety protocols to protect both participants and the surrounding community. As a popular recreational activity in Anchorage, local authorities will likely review this crash to determine if any additional measures are needed to enhance safety and prevent future disruptions.