A Springbok paraglider is in a stable condition in the N1 Hospital after crashing on to a road near Dasklip, Porterville.
Veteran paraglider Anthony Allen, 34, of Tamboerskloof, Cape Town, took off shortly after 1pm on Tuesday but about 15 metres above ground turbulent winds sent him crashing into the tar below.
According to Geoff Legward, a friend and fellow glider, it was impossible for anyone to predict the extent of the turbulence as conditions on the day were generally good.
Allen was airlifted to the N1 Hospital's intensive care unit with a broken pelvis.
By late on Tuesday night he was undergoing tests to determine any further injury.
Legward, also an instructor, said Allen was a crack pilot with 12 years' experience. "He is also an instructor, tandem pilot, and former national safety officer of the South African Paragliding and Hangliding Association," Legward said.
"This was a freak accident that no one could have predicted. He is one of the best and most experienced pilots in the country at the moment."
He said Allen was flying a competition glider - a modified glider which he equated to driving a Formula One racing vehicle - when the incident occurred.
"It must have happened really fast because he didn't have time to throw his reserve chute, which we all carry," Legward said.
By Tuesday night Allen was in a stable condition and able to speak to friends and hospital staff about his ordeal.
The crash happened at a favourite gliding site which has been the venue for thousands of flights but there have been a few serious accidents there.