SAFA Skysailor Magazine

72 SKY SAILOR March-April-May | AUTUMN 2026 #2171 – HG crash landing at Flinders, Vic PIC was preparing to launch their hang glider at Flinders Golf Course (Vic). Conditions were described as ‘rowdy’, with strong wind crossed from the SSW. PIC refused the offer of assistance in controlling the wing from the wires, and commenced the launch from further back on the surface. The glider lifted from the launch with the left wing higher and inadequate airspeed. PIC attempted to steer the glider, but spun into vegetation to the right of launch resulting in a bent downtube. No injury. PIC acknowledges the errors in: • not accepting assistance on the wires; • not launching further forward; • attempting to steer rather than pull the bar in to gain airspeed. When conditions indicate, position further forward to gain the benefit of the uplift and accept assistance on the wires to keep the wings level and ensure a solid launch. #2174 – PG incident, NSW PIC launched their paraglider from the Bombala Street site at Dudley (NSW). After scratching above launch for half an hour, conditions improved and they were gaining height above the vegetation. The pilot then pushed south, en- countered sink and landed in a tree. The wing was damaged during self-extraction. No injury sustained. Beware changing wind conditions. Although the wind may have increased in strength affording greater clearance from the vegetation, it may have also changed direction to a degree that lift over terrain is compromised. Flight at low level in these conditions does not allow much margin AIRS Safety Wrap-up