The glider is believed to have lost control in strong wind, causing his craft to nosedive into the water at high speed. Divers recovered the body and sent it to a nearby hospital. Another glider who was also up in the air landed safely.

Following three casualties in four months, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities Prince Sultan bin Salman had issued an order last December temporarily banning glider flights in the Kingdom.

The records of Saudi Glider Club show that nine gliders were killed in the past three years in crashes.

The cause of these accidents include unsecured safety belts, flying too close to the ground or flying in adverse weather conditions. In 2009, one glider survived a near-collision with two helicopters.

The punishments to violators of glider-flying regulations include suspension of license or fine up to SR5,000. The regulations were issued in early 2009.