The "parachute" story is simply untrue, another example of bad reporting. He crashed while landing out in a desert, inhospitable mountain valley. No cell phone contact, no ELT. Being badly hurt (thorax and vertebrae), he survived three days on the crash site thanks to his sleeping bag and other kit he had in the glider, before attracting the attention of a farmer who was passing by in his jeep. Information given by a fellow club member on the French forum.