SAFA Skysailor Magazine

66 SKY SAILOR March-April-May | AUTUMN 2026 #1859 Kilcunda, PG spin and crash landing, Vic PIC was flying their EN-C wing at Kilcunda (VIC), and undertaking wing overs to reduce height in order to land. PIC, realising they were flying too close to the sea, overreacted, causing the wing to perform a 180º turn and lost height that caused PIC to impact the beach. A dislocated shoulder was the result, but the pilot was able to relocate it almost immediately. PIC typically used their EN-C wing at coastal sites and an EN-B flying inland. Extra care needs to be exercised when transitioning between different wings of different ratings. Always fly to the conditions. #2019 – PG stall on landing approach, Vic PIC launched their new paraglider wing, transitioning from a low to high EN-B, at Portsea (Vic). They applied too much input when attempting to top land which caused with wing to stall, then spin 3m to land in bushes next to launch. No damage or injuries were sustained. When progressing to a new wing, particularly a more advanced wing, take the time to ground handle and explore the wing’s capabilities in a stable, safe environment. When flying, choose a familiar site with benign conditions and apply gentle, progressive inputs. Expect the unexpected. #2021 – PG, Rainbow Beach, Qld/S The PIC was flying a parakite at Rainbow Beach (Qld/S), a NE facing site. The pilot was ridge soaring a small dune to the south of Carlo Sandblow. For 35 minutes or so they had been swooping in fast toward the dune and then turning out at the last second to get close proximity to the terrain and the sand dune. This AIRS Safety Wrap-up