Hendersonville -- July 17, 2026: The victim has been identified as Ryan Mark Nelson, 60, of Hendersonville. Deputies said the crash was reported at approximately 9:15 a.m. on July 15. Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators with the Henderson County Sheriff's Office responded to Hendersonville Airport, located at 1232 Shepherd Street, where they began documenting the incident and interviewing witnesses. According to the sheriff's office, two witnesses were present at the scene and provided statements to investigators.
While early reports referred to the aircraft as a paraglider, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the vehicle involved was actually a powered parachute ultralight, a type of recreational aircraft that differs from a traditional paraglider. The FAA also noted that powered parachute ultralights are not regulated as aircraft under federal aviation regulations, meaning the investigation is being handled by local authorities rather than the FAA.
Officials have not released information regarding what may have caused the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Henderson County Sheriff's Office.
Image: Powered Parachute