SAFA Skysailor Magazine

70 SKY SAILOR March-April-May | AUTUMN 2026 Consider the decision to fly in very light conditions and take time to assess whether there is not some katabatic influence at the end of the day. #2169 – PG collided with another pilot mid-air, Qld/S PIC entered Carlo Sandblow (Rainbow Beach, Qld/S) from northern side, with intention to practise top landing. At this point, PIC observed two other pilots entering the blow, one pilot on the left and one pilot on the right. Looking left to right, PIC observed the pilot to the right turn 180º to fly away. PIC then fixed their attention on the pilot to the left, seeing the pilot on the left now slightly behind, giving PIC the impression there were no other pilots so deep inside the Sandblow. Continuing to monitor the pilot on the left, PIC continued to track in a straight line to set up to turn and land. After a moment of perhaps fixating on the pilot to the left, PIC then looked straight to begin turning and only then a third pilot became apparent, only 2-3m away, straight in front and slightly above. With no time or space to react, PIC collided with the glider, the wing contacting the other pilot, in the centre of the wing and straight across the lap, wrapping evenly around the pilot and deflating, leaving PIC fully suspended by the other pilot. Both pilots were flown to the ground by the top wing and landed without injury in the sand at the south- western corner of the Sandblow. Some wing tears were sustained, requir- ing repairs. PIC did not re-fly due to wing damage and was debriefed by CFI and SSO. When flying a busy site like Rainbow Beach, where there can be in excess of >20 pilots flying at one time, with a mixture of students, low airtime pilots, AIRS Safety Wrap-up