SAFA Skysailor Magazine

36 SKY SAILOR January | February 2022 is paramount to our safety. Unbuckling any part of your harness during flight is extremely dangerous. AIRS #1468: Brake handle knot untied, PG/ACT PIC was flying their paraglider at Lake George (ACT). They had just performed a relatively fast and high energy top landing that required a forceful flare. As they pulled up the wing for a relaunch after a couple of harness adjustments, the right brake handle became untied, and control of the wing was lost. They brought the wing down by using the left brake and running towards the wing to depower it. There were no injuries or damage. After inspecting the other knot and reviewing the manual, it became obvious that the knot used was not the recommended one. Both brakes were tied when the brake lines were replaced when buying the wing (secondhand via a dealer approximately 60 hours ago). Those knots may have been intended as temporary ones while the brake length was sorted out, but since the brakes were the right length, PIC did not return to have them fixed. All pilots are urged to include a check of brake knots as part of their pre-flight check routine. This is the second instance where brake issues or knots have impacted local pilots. Rear riser steering is a useful skill that may assist in some cases, and it should be prac- tised just in case a break snaps or the brake handle comes off (although it may not have helped in this situation!). Ankle and leg injuries are a common under- carriage issue for us… AIRS #1444: Manilla 24-01-21, PG/NSW PIC was flying at Mt Borah (Manilla, NSW). The previous day they had out-landed, following a flight in ‘tough’ conditions, walked 5km, then spent 4-5 hours retrieve driving. On this day, they had had a short flight of 10-15 minutes with a slightly cross-wind landing in the West LZ. They returned to launch with their friends out ahead on an XC flight. Instead of deciding to retrieve them, PIC decided to fly. The wind on launch was cycling through gusting from 0-12kt. PIC has set up closer to the edge (10m) than other pilots, and after a lull, lofted their wing in what was perceived to be the beginnings of another cycle. The pres- sure in the wing was not what was expected; however, the pilot turned and ran to the edge. Instead of lift, the glider sank to the right. After travelling 20m, the pilot’s foot impacted a large rock, resulting in a complicated ankle fracture that necessitated evacuation by helicopter. If fatigued, reconsider the need to fly. Think carefully when fatigued about the pressures you place on yourself, in this case choosing to launch to chase friends. It may be best to spend the time recuperating from a full day. When on launch ensure the wing is completely pressurised before commencing the take-off run. Take a pause after turning to ensure the wing is stabilised above, and that the conditions are as expected. If in doubt, abort the launch. AIRS #1445: Mt Broughton landing zone accident, PG/VIC A PG2 pilot was on approach to the LZ in thermic conditions at Mt Broughton (VIC). AIRS Safety Wrap-up