Paramotor failed to gain altitude after beach takeoff and crashed into the sea 100-130m offshore. Pilot rescued after 20 minutes but had drowned.
Minimal — nothing is clear
Masafumi Niino, an experienced paramotor pilot with over 10 years experience, attempted to take off from Hironohama beach with a group of 8 other paramotor enthusiasts. The takeoff failed and the aircraft crashed into the sea approximately 130 meters offshore. Fellow pilots witnessed the incident and called maritime emergency services (118). Niino was rescued from the sea in cardiac arrest approximately 20 minutes later and transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Cause of death was drowning. He was not wearing a life jacket or flotation device. Investigation by Toba Maritime Safety Department is ongoing.
water
Drowned. Was rescued from the sea in cardiac arrest and pronounced dead at hospital. Was not wearing a life jacket or flotation device.
July 19, 2025
10:45:00
Japan
Hironohama beach, Wagu, Shima city, Mie prefecture
Masafumi Niino
48 years old, company employee from Hachioji, Tokyo. Over 10 years of paragliding experience. Was flying with a group of 8 paramotor enthusiasts.
Date:Saturday 19 July 2025 Time:c. 10:45 Type:paramotor Owner/operator:Private Registration: MSN: Fatalities:Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 Other fatalities:0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location:100 m off Hironohama beach, Wagu, Shima city, Mie prefecture - Japan Phase: Initial climb Nature:Private Departure airport:Hironohama beach, Wagu, Shima city, Mie prefecture Destination airport:Hironohama beach, Wagu, Shima city, Mie prefecture Narrative:A paramotor failed to gain altitude after takeoff from a beach, and crashed into the sea at about 100 or 130 meters off shore. The pilot was rescued 20 minutes later, but was drowned.