When the news broke in September 2021 that a fatal mid-air collision had claimed the life of experienced paramotorist Dan Burton and left conservationist and adventurer Sacha Dench seriously injured, it sent shockwaves through both the environmental and aviation communities.
Sacha Dench, widely known as the “Human Swan” for her record-setting paramotor flights tracing the migration routes of swans and other birds, had been undertaking an ambitious 3,000-mile, round-Britain expedition to raise awareness about climate change ahead of the United Nations COP26 summit in Glasgow. The tragic accident occurred near Loch Na Gainmhich in the remote Scottish Highlands, abruptly halting what had been a high-profile environmental campaign.
Now, more than four years later, Sacha Dench is preparing to give evidence in person at the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the crash, which aims to establish the circumstances leading up to the tragedy and determine whether any lessons can be learned to improve safety in future aviation and conservation projects of this kind. The upcoming hearings, scheduled for January 2026, mark a pivotal moment in understanding the events that led to Burton’s death and the conditions that contributed to the fatal collision.
A Pioneering Flight Cut Short
At the time of the incident, Sacha Dench was attempting an extraordinary challenge: to circumnavigate the entire coast of Britain using a paramotor — a small, motorised paraglider — in an effort to document and promote stories of people and communities responding to the climate crisis. Her mission, titled the “Round Britain Climate Challenge,” was an ambitious fusion of adventure, advocacy, and science.
Sacha Dench, an Australian-born biologist turned environmental campaigner, had already gained international recognition for her earlier expedition, during which she followed the migratory path of Bewick’s swans from Arctic Russia to the UK. The journey earned her the nickname “the Human Swan” and led to her appointment as an ambassador for the UN’s Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.
The 2021 expedition, supported by a team of ground crew and fellow pilots, was intended not only to inspire climate action but also to highlight the role of renewable energy and sustainable living across the UK. Dan Burton, a skilled paramotorist and photographer from Devon, was part of Sacha Dench’s support team and an experienced flyer who had collaborated with her on previous projects. The pair had taken to the skies on September 18, 2021, when tragedy struck.
According to initial reports, both pilots were flying separate paramotors when they collided mid-air in the rugged terrain of Sutherland. Emergency services responded swiftly, but despite efforts to save him, Burton died at the scene. Dench was airlifted to hospital with severe injuries, spending months in recovery. Her physical rehabilitation was long and arduous, and at the time, questions arose about whether she would ever be able to fly again.
Sacha Dench, aka 'the human swan', known for her record-breaking journey tracking migrating swans in a motorised paraglider #WomensArt pic.twitter.com/WL5mpU00Kw
— #WOMENSART (@womensart1) February 25, 2023
The cause of the collision has not been publicly confirmed, but investigators have been examining factors such as weather conditions, altitude, visibility, and the coordination between the two pilots and their ground crew. The forthcoming inquiry seeks to clarify these details and ensure that appropriate safety measures are understood for similar future expeditions.
Preparing for the Fatal Accident Inquiry
The Fatal Accident Inquiry, being conducted virtually from Tain Sheriff Court, is a formal Scottish legal process designed to investigate deaths that occur in unusual or public-interest circumstances. Unlike a criminal trial, it is not intended to assign blame but rather to uncover facts and make recommendations to prevent future incidents. Fiscal depute Jemma Eadie, representing the Crown, has confirmed that Dench will be called to give evidence in person, noting that her health has improved sufficiently for her to attend after earlier concerns regarding her mobility.
Dench’s legal representative, Simon Richards, stated at a preliminary hearing that his client was now well enough to participate fully: “My client’s health is much better at this time and she is willing to attend.” Her testimony is expected to be among the most significant of the proceedings, providing first-hand insight into the events immediately leading up to the collision, as well as into the broader logistics and safety planning of the expedition.
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Alongside Dench, the inquiry will also hear from Amber Eames, another member of the team involved in one of Dench’s earlier projects. Ms Eames’ evidence will focus on the safety protocols and operational structures used by pilots who film while flying — a key aspect of Dench’s expeditions, which often rely on aerial footage to document the journey for public outreach and scientific purposes.
Eadie indicated that Eames would be questioned on the specific protocols in place for pilots who are simultaneously filming and navigating, the ground support provided during the flights, and the communication systems linking air and ground teams. The inquiry will also address a Facebook Live video that was streamed from one of the paramotors shortly before the crash. While it has not been publicly confirmed who appeared in the livestream, Eadie told the court that the video was recorded only “minutes rather than hours” before the collision and that it contained no distressing content.
Sheriff Neil Wilson, who is presiding over the inquiry, questioned the timing and relevance of the footage, seeking to establish how closely it coincided with the fatal incident. The video is expected to provide investigators with crucial contextual information about flight conditions and pilot coordination in the final moments of the journey.
Legacy, Recovery, and Lessons for the Future
For Sacha Dench, the years following the accident have been marked by recovery and reflection. Despite sustaining serious injuries that initially cast doubt on her ability to return to flying, she has remained deeply committed to environmental advocacy and public engagement. Known for her resilience and sense of purpose, Dench has continued to promote climate awareness through educational programs and partnerships, even as she prepared for the inquiry that will inevitably reopen painful memories.
Dan Burton, remembered as a talented pilot, dedicated teammate, and passionate conservationist, has been honored in numerous tributes since the tragedy. Friends and colleagues have described him as both a skilled flyer and a generous collaborator who shared Dench’s enthusiasm for combining adventure with environmental storytelling. His death, while devastating to those close to him, has also underscored the inherent risks involved in pioneering forms of aerial exploration.
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The inquiry’s findings are expected to have wider implications beyond this single incident. The use of paramotors — lightweight, flexible aircraft powered by small engines — has grown increasingly popular among explorers, filmmakers, and environmental campaigners for their accessibility and ability to reach remote regions. However, their unique vulnerabilities, including limited protection against weather and the absence of traditional cockpit instruments, make safety planning and communication paramount.
Through the FAI, investigators aim to clarify whether the safety systems, communication protocols, and ground coordination in place during the “Round Britain Climate Challenge” were adequate and whether any procedural improvements can be made for future flights. This could lead to the development of new guidelines for adventure aviation and scientific expeditions involving lightweight aircraft.
Dench’s willingness to testify in person is being viewed by many as an important gesture of accountability and transparency. While no criminal charges have been brought in connection with the crash, the inquiry provides a crucial opportunity for all involved to reflect on the human and operational dimensions of the tragedy. It is also a reminder of the personal risks undertaken by individuals who use daring means to draw attention to urgent global issues.
The “Human Swan,” as Dench continues to be known, represents a rare combination of courage, compassion, and commitment to environmental change. Her flight around Britain was never meant to be merely an adventure — it was a symbolic journey meant to connect people and communities in a shared mission against climate change. That the journey ended in such tragedy only heightens the poignancy of its purpose.
The inquiry is set to resume with evidential hearings on January 13, 15, and 16, 2026. Over those three days, the court will hear detailed accounts from witnesses and review evidence including flight data, weather reports, communication logs, and video material. The proceedings are expected to bring greater clarity to the final moments of Burton’s and Dench’s flight and to illuminate the safety challenges of paramotor expeditions.
Ultimately, the case serves as both a tribute and a lesson — a testament to two skilled aviators whose shared vision for environmental advocacy took them to extraordinary heights, and a sober reminder of the dangers that accompany innovation in exploration. As Sacha Dench prepares to recount her experience before the inquiry, the focus will not only be on the circumstances of the crash but also on ensuring that future missions of environmental inspiration and adventure are undertaken with the utmost regard for safety and preparedness.
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