Malcolm Grout Obituary, Death; – A seasoned paraglider was observed struggling to manage his equipment prior to his tragic crash into a cliff in the Lake District, as revealed during an inquest. Malcolm Grout, aged 63, lost his life at Sharp Edge on Blencathra, Cumbria, on February 25.
A witness recounted to the Cockermouth Coroners’ Court that they witnessed “uncontrolled flips and rotations” before “the weather forced him sideways into the mountainside with a loud impact.”
In honoring the memory of the father of two, Cumbria coroner Kirsty Gomersal determined that his death was accidental. The inquest disclosed that Mr. Grout was a well-respected pilot and instructor who enabled individuals with disabilities to partake in the sport through the charity Flyability.
He diligently documented his flights in logbooks and was accustomed to navigating various weather conditions, as stated during the inquest. Early in his flight, Mr. Grout encountered thermal air, which allowed him to gain considerable altitude.
In his final radio communication, he mentioned experiencing “quite a bit of sink” while traversing Bannerdale Crags, yet described the conditions as “working well.”
One of his sons, Rob, informed the court that it was “not the usual route” to take “straight-lining it over the ridges,” as his father had done. “He would have been anticipating a thermal to develop in an area that we recognize as a risky location. “He frequently flew into areas that many would have undoubtedly hesitated to approach.
“He was fully aware of the actions he was taking and the associated risks, and he was at ease with that risk.” Witnesses observed him suddenly ascend approximately 9-12 meters (30-40 feet). “I could see he was pulling on the [paraglider] handles,” one witness remarked. “I could tell that something was amiss. He appeared to be struggling to maintain control.”
Mr. Grout’s canopy ultimately collapsed, resulting in his instantaneous death from multiple injuries sustained during the crash into the cliff. A rescue team dispatched to the scene reported locating Mr. Grout’s helmet approximately 100 meters from his position. An investigation by the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association concluded that Mr. Grout’s equipment did not contribute to the incident.
