SAFA Skysailor Magazine

69 AUTUMN 2026 | March-April-May SKY SAILOR resident eagle made an appearance well south of her normal stomping ground, and approached at pilot level but 15m towards the lake. PIC was somewhat alarmed and initiated a sharp left-hand turn. The wing then entered a series of undesirable states which resulted in a loss of altitude and PIC impacted rocky terrain and required heli- copter extraction. Resulting injuries were fractures to left ulna, tibia and fibula; left knee MCL and ACL damaged; perforation of right heel, dislocated right little toe. If pilots haven’t flown a site recently, and there is no one on the hill, they should consider calling an SO or SSO to seek an opinion on the conditions and seek their view as to why others aren’t flying. Be careful when flying in crossed conditions, bearing in mind the potential for rotored air and reduced lift, and apply all wing control inputs in a carefully considered manner. #2084 – PG, Westpac Rescue heli- copter in close proximity, NSW A pilot was flying their paraglider at Long Reef (NSW) when a Westpac Rescue helicopter flew by in a northerly direction, at the same level, and in close proximity to the pilot. A short while later, the same helicopter again flew in close proximity, this time on a southerly track. PIC was able to achieve a safe landing without experi- encing any effects of downwash. Our flying sites in this area are clearly marked on the VTC. Pilots witnessing such air proximity occurrences, regardless of who operates the other aircraft, are requested to lodge an AIRS report, report the event to the ATSB: https://www.atsb. gov.au/mandatory , and report the event to CASA: CSM Service Catalog - Guidance Delivery Centre #2132 – PG struck path on landing, NSW PIC arrived for a sunset flight at the Hickson Street launch at Merewether (NSW). Conditions were light, so they decided a sleddie to the beach was the best flight plan. Immediately after launch, they encountered sink and altered the plan to a cross-slope landing on grass. On final approach they encountered a bubble of lift which caused them to overshoot their landing, and striking their leg on the walk- way as they tried to clear it. A deep lacera- tion to the leg resulted in a trip to hospital.