Snakebite Derails Tim Howell’s Historic Himalayan Wingsuit Flight

British wingsuit pilot Tim Howell’s record attempt to fly from the Himalayan peak Lhotse was halted after he was bitten by a venomous snake during a preparatory walk in France. The incident has temporarily paused his effort to set the highest wingsuit flight in history, but Howell remains committed to returning in 2027.

On May 8, 2026, Howell was in Grenoble, France, when he was bitten by an asp viper, a venomous snake. The bite caused anaphylactic shock, leading to a helicopter evacuation and five days in intensive care. Doctors confirmed the bite had caused necrosis in his finger, which required tissue removal. Howell is now undergoing physical therapy to regain full use of the finger.

Howell has spent years preparing for this record attempt, aiming to jump from approximately 27,230 feet near the summit of Lhotse, which is known as the ‘Other Everest.’ His goal was to surpass the previous Himalayan wingsuit record of 26,864 feet set by Valery Rozov in 2016. This would make Howell’s flight the highest wingsuit jump ever attempted.

The incident occurred just a week before Howell’s scheduled departure for Nepal. His team had previously spent two years planning and conducting multiple attempts, including a failed storm delay in 2025. Howell expressed his determination to return, emphasizing that he will only jump when conditions are perfect.

Why It Matters

This event underscores the risks involved in extreme altitude wingsuit flying, highlighting how unpredictable factors like wildlife encounters can impact even well-planned expeditions. Howell’s perseverance exemplifies the dedication required for record-setting pursuits, and the incident may influence future safety protocols for high-altitude jumpers.

While Howell’s record attempt is temporarily halted, his commitment to return in 2027 maintains the pursuit of this extreme aviation milestone. The incident also draws attention to the inherent dangers of Himalayan expeditions, which combine technical challenge with natural hazards.

Background

Howell’s planned jumps from Lhotse represent a continuation of Himalayan wingsuit record attempts, following Valery Rozov’s 2016 flight. Howell’s previous attempts in 2024 and 2025 faced weather-related setbacks, including a storm that forced a retreat at high altitude. His goal has been to push the boundaries of human flight at extreme heights, with each attempt requiring meticulous planning and favorable conditions.

The recent snakebite was an unforeseen hazard, occurring during a routine walk in France, far from the Himalayan environment. Howell’s prior experience as a veteran BASE jumper and wingsuit pilot with over 1,200 jumps underscores his expertise, but also illustrates that even seasoned adventurers face unpredictable dangers.

“I can’t walk away from this after all the effort we’ve put in. I’ll be back in 2027, and when I do, I’ll be ready.”

— Tim Howell

“The snakebite caused necrosis in his finger, but he is now on the path to recovery with proper treatment and therapy.”

— Howell’s medical team

“We’ve spent years planning for this, and I’m only going when everything is perfect. The weather, the conditions, and now, my health.”

— Howell

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear when Howell will be able to resume training or when exact conditions will permit a return to Lhotse. The full extent of his recovery timeline and whether the snakebite will impact future preparations are still uncertain. Additionally, the impact of this incident on his overall record attempt schedule has not been publicly detailed.

What’s Next

Howell plans to focus on recovery over the next year, with a goal to return to Nepal in 2027 for another attempt. His team will continue monitoring weather conditions and safety protocols. Meanwhile, another British adventurer, Joshua Bregmen, is planning a different altitude record attempt on Everest, which is not directly competing with Howell’s project.

Key Questions

Will Howell attempt the record again in 2027?

Yes, Howell has stated his intention to return to Lhotse in 2027 to attempt the record again, once he has fully recovered and conditions are suitable.

How dangerous are Himalayan wingsuit jumps?

The jumps involve extreme risks including altitude sickness, weather variability, and natural hazards like wildlife. Howell’s incident highlights the unpredictable dangers involved in such high-altitude endeavors.

What is the significance of Howell’s record attempt?

If successful, Howell’s jump would surpass the previous Himalayan wingsuit record by nearly 2,000 feet, setting a new benchmark for human flight at extreme altitudes.

Does the snakebite affect Howell’s overall project?

The incident has temporarily halted his plans, but Howell remains committed to returning in 2027. The injury is recoverable, and it is not expected to permanently impact his ability to attempt the record again.