SAFA Skysailor Magazine

63 AUTUMN 2025 | March-April-May SKY SAILOR #1676 – PG stall during landing approach, Vic A pilot landed their paraglider in an un- controlled fashion due to asymmetrically stalling their wing while attempting a tight landing (including brake pumping) while the wing was slightly wet wing after flying through light rain conditions at Mystic (Vic). Pilots are reminded that it is preferable to avoid a tight landing situation in rain if possible. Brake pumping to enable a tight landing is a riskier operation if a canopy is wet, as the canopy may be easier to stall – not desirable at low altitude. #1694 – HG crash landing, NSW During HG car towing operations at Conargo (NSW) the pilot reported a weak link break at around 250ft. Attempting to return to launch position, they flew too far downwind and sank. PIC tried to complete the turn into wind and impacted the ground, suffering bruising in the leg loops and arms. The downtubes and keel on the glider were broken. Turn into wind with sufficient time and altitude to stabilise the final approach and accelerate for round out and flare. Do not focus on getting back to launch. #1698 – WM prop strike, loose object incident, WA PIC departed Exmouth aerodrome for a solo flight in their WM. They had headed out over Ningaloo Reef at 2,500ft AMSL. At a point over two hours into the flight, PIC turned to head back inbound to Exmouth and experienced major vibrations. They performed an immediate engine shut-down. The vibrations resulted in broken windscreen mounting pins, so the pilot removed and discarded the wind- screen. They then made a Mayday call and executed a successful emergency landing on the Yardie Creek main road in the Cape Range National Park. The aircraft and pilot were recovered and an inspection revealed one propeller blade had been catastrophically damaged, presumably by a now-missing pilot seat cushion. Sub- stantial cracks were found near the hub of the other two blades. A ‘no loose objects’ policy is essential, especially when flying an open aircraft with propellor behind. Although it may seem surprising that something as seemingly innocuous as a seat cushion could destroy a propellor, in reality just about any object can cause damage; a bandana, loose clothing, anything.