Full Breakdown
Inquiry into Fatal Mid-Air Collision During Climate Documentary
1/17/2026, 7:50:31 AM
Overview of the Incident
In September 2021, a mid-air collision involving two paramotors resulted in the death of cameraman Dan Burton, 54, while he was filming alongside climate activist Sacha Dench, known as the “human swan.” The incident occurred near Loch Na Gainmhich in Sutherland during a documentary project aimed at raising awareness about climate change ahead of the Cop26 conference. Dench survived the crash but sustained serious injuries. A fatal accident inquiry is currently being held at Tain Sheriff Court to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Safety Concerns Raised
Amber Eames, a wildlife documentary producer who directed the earlier project "Flight Of The Swans," expressed her concerns regarding Burton's safety while he was filming a Facebook Live shortly before the accident. Eames noted that the footage displayed unstable camera work, which raised alarms about the risks of multitasking while flying. She emphasized that effective safety protocols were crucial in previous projects, where tasks were divided to minimize distractions for pilots. Eames stated, “flying and filming is not something that really happens by one person,” highlighting the importance of having a dedicated crew for filming.
Filming Protocols and Practices
During the inquiry, Eames recounted her previous experiences implementing safety measures, including the use of fixed cameras and drones operated by separate pilots. She had previously disagreed with Dench regarding the use of a selfie stick for filming, advocating for a separation of filming tasks from piloting duties to ensure safety. Eames remarked, “My protocol was to take filming away from pilots so they could focus on flying.” However, she acknowledged that any filming using a selfie stick was at the discretion of the pilots.
Perspectives from the Team
Peter Cranswick, a project manager for "Flight Of The Swans," defended the decision to allow filming from the air, stating that it was a common practice among paramotorists. He noted that Burton was specifically tasked with capturing footage while Dench focused on interviews and conservation stories. Cranswick stated, “There was no point in conversation with Amber or anyone else which said ‘filming while in the air is something we need to worry about.’” He maintained that no concerns were raised about the safety of filming during flight.
Official Statements & Responses
The inquiry continues to explore the safety protocols and communication among the crew. Eames reiterated her commitment to safety, stating that she had previously called for a ground manager to oversee operations during "Flight Of The Swans." The investigation aims to clarify the responsibilities and safety measures in place at the time of the collision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ms Eames said: “At the time I was concerned because the shot wasn’t settling and I could see the person that was filming was airborne.” — Amber Eames, Producer
- “Ms Eames said: “My protocol was to take filming away from pilots so they could focus on flying and we could take pressure off from the ground and air.” — Amber Eames, Producer
- “ Under cross-examination from Peter Anderson, representing the insurers of the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, he said: “There was no point in conversation with Amber or anyone else which said ‘filming while in the air is something we need to worry about’.” — Peter Cranswick, Project Manager
The inquiry is ongoing, with further hearings expected to address the safety practices and decision-making processes that led to the tragic accident.
