Man Injured In Mt. Herman Glider Crash

A craft believed to be a hang glider or paraglider crashed Monday afternoon on Mt. Herman, injuring the pilot.

The Memorial Star helicopter transported the unidentified 21-year-old man to a hospital.

According to the Monument/Tri-Lakes Fire Department, the victim suffered a possible head injury and was bleeding, but was conscious and talking after the accident.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The accident happened around 2:40 p.m. on the east face of the summit of Mt. Herman, a popular launching spot for gliders.

The location normally is accessible only by a long hike to an elevation of 9,000 feet.

Greg Lovato, battalion chief for the fire department, said it’s unclear what caused the accident.

“We don’t know if it was weather-related, just operator error or mechanical failure,” said Lovato. “There were some swirling winds, not necessarily erratic. Just not consistent.”

Lovato said several crashes per year happen in the Mt. Herman area.

A pilot died in a 2009 crash there.

Pilots of paragliders and similar craft are not required to be licensed or registered.

However, the U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, based in Colorado Springs, strongly recommends that pilots follow its rating system based on skill level.

It’s unclear if the victim in Monday’s crash is a rated pilot.