Two rescued from hang glider accident at Torrey Pines Glider Port

Lifeguards, firefighters and a rescue helicopter responded to the incident above Black's Beach.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the rescue of two hang glider pilots from the cliffs at Torrey Pines Glider Port, with overlapping planes and shapes representing the complex operation.A dramatic rescue operation unfolds as first responders work to save two hang glider pilots stranded on the cliffs above Black's Beach.San Diego Today

Two people were rescued from the cliffs at the Torrey Pines Glider Port in San Diego after getting stuck above Black's Beach. Lifeguards, firefighters, and a rescue helicopter responded to the scene and were able to safely bring both victims to the hospital, though their conditions were not released.

Why it matters

The Torrey Pines Glider Port is a popular destination for hang gliding and paragliding, but accidents can occur due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions. This incident highlights the importance of the specialized skills and equipment needed for complex cliff rescues in the area.

The details

According to authorities, the rescue operation took about an hour and involved four lifeguard units, two fire trucks, two ambulances, a utility rig, and a battalion chief. One victim was airlifted off the cliff, while the second was brought to safety using a rope system.

  • The incident occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2026.

The players

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department

The local fire department that responded to the emergency call and coordinated the rescue operation.

Torrey Pines Glider Port

A popular destination for hang gliding and paragliding located in San Diego, California.

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What they’re saying

“Emergencies like this highlight the special skills our helicopter crews bring to these complex extrications. They made a really big difference today in the time it took to reach the patients, treat them and transport them.”

— Jason Shanley, SDFRD Public Information Officer

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with extreme sports like hang gliding, and the importance of having well-trained emergency responders equipped to handle complex rescue operations in challenging outdoor environments.