Jianhua Li: fatal accident at PWC Bulgaria

Jianhua Li has died at the Paragliding World Cup in Sopot, Bulgaria. The pilot, who was part of a new generation of up-and-coming pilots in China, lost his life during the second task of the event.

In a statement, organisers said: “It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to our friend and fellow pilot, Jianhua Li. For many in our community, Jianhua will be a familiar face. An established competition pilot, he participated in numerous competitions around the world over the years, sharing the sky with so many of us and becoming a valued part of the international paragliding community.”

No further details were available on the circumstances of the accident, which occurred in the area of Mount Golyam Kademliya, according to local reports. It is understood other pilots saw his reserve being thrown and raised the alarm. We have approached PWC organisers for comment.

Jianhua had been competing since 2020, initially in China and he rose rapidly in the sport, finishing 3rd at the 2024 China Paragliding Open. Since 2024 he has made several appearances at international competitions, flying in various national opens such as the British, Norwegian, Belgian and Hungarian Opens.

Prior to the Bulgaria PWC he took part in the British and Dutch Championships, where he came 25th. He was listed as flying a Niviuk X-One and Ozone Submarine during the PWC and finished 34th on the first task.

“He has been flying about eight years, progressed quite quickly when he started. He was one of the talented younger generation of pilots in China,” a friend said.

Organisers of the PWC have been under intense pressure lately over the sport’s safety record following fatalities. Last year the community was hit hard by the deaths of Bram Declercq who passed away on September 16, 2025 while competing at the FAI World Championships in Castelo, Brazil. Turkish pilot Cengiz Kalyoncu also died during the Paragliding World Cup in Aksaray, Turkey.

In their statement, PWC organisers added: “It is difficult to comprehend that yesterday, while flying the task alongside us, we lost Jianhua. His loss is deeply felt by all of us at the Paragliding World Cup. Beyond results, rankings and nationalities, our sport brings together a relatively small community of people who meet again and again around the world, on launches, in the air and at goal. Losing one of those people leaves an absence that is difficult to put into words. Our deepest condolences go to Jianhua’s family and loved ones, his friends, his fellow pilots, and the entire Chinese paragliding community. We will remember Jianhua with great respect, and we are grateful for all the skies we had the privilege of sharing with him.”