SAFA Skysailor Magazine

65 AUTUMN 2026 | March-April-May SKY SAILOR ground towed several years ago. A full theory briefing had been done a day prior, and tow procedures were revised just prior to tow. The instructor was handling radio calls for the PIC. The pilot started to run as the car accelerated. The glider then got a little ahead of them, and the PIC pushed out, stalled the glider and dropped the left wing. The ‘STOP’ was called to the tow car. The left wingtip dragged and the PIC became airborne with the left wingtip still on the ground. The glider rotated left over the still grounded left wing tip, rolled onto the left leading edge, then came to rest on the nose plate. The pilot was carried into the air during the rotation (approx. 3m) before impacting the ground/glider. The glider ended up facing 180º from take-off direction, on nose and basebar. The pilot was immobilised, checked and assessed for injuries. An ambulance was called, arrived in approximately 15 minutes, and took the pilot to Deniliquin hospital. PIC sustained left elbow dislocation, bruising and slight lacerations to face and inside mouth. Glider keel broke in two places due to asymmetrical forces caused by the sudden stop of the glider rotation. Left downtube 10cm out of column, three battens slightly bent. Sail tear where a batten had punctured a batten pocket. No damage to pilot’s harness or tow equipment. No visible damage to either Leading edge or crossbar. Glider was sent for full factory inspection. When the ‘wings level’ call is made, the glider must be wings level and balanced and the glider nose must not be too high. Pushing out in an attempt to leave the ground prematurely will stall one wing leading to a ground loop. #1857 – PG tree landing, Qld/S PIC launched their paraglider from Gerrard’s Lookout (Qld/S). They had been following the ridge, trying to find lift, but instead drifted in towards the trees and encountered sink. PIC then attempted to turn away, but a tree landing became inevitable. The pilot flared, with the wing landing in the top of a canopy, and less than a metre from the ground. No injury, and the wing was extracted without damage. Always ensure you can make a safe landing if sink is encountered instead of anticipated lift. Be aware of wind shadow from vegetation.