SAFA Skysailor Magazine

42 SKY SAILOR January | February 2022 VHF radio. We are unable to determine if the microlight was registered with SAFA or RAAus. Pilots are reminded of the importance of checking ERSA entries and NOTAMs for any areas they intend to operate in. Be aware of airports in your vicinity and take them into account when planning your flight. If you think you are the pilot involved in either of these events, please do not hesitate to contact me via email . And so, to a few completed AIRS reports. Let’s stay down on the surf coast of Victoria for the moment. #1399 – PG accident Bells Beach,Vic PIC had been free flying their high-speed PPG wing from the Southside launch at Bells Beach. PIC had launched in a crosswind from the east, and flew one pass, first to the SW launch, then in a NE direction into headwind, maintaining launch height. Pilot then turned SW again, heading for the LZ on the beach, crossing the bowl. Pilot flew along the ridge alongside the beach LZ deep on the brakes, without main- taining height. As the pilot approached an altitude safe for base leg then final glide, the pilot applied too much inner brake and the wing spun, causing the pilot to crash into the dunes below. A stable fracture of L4 vertebra resulted. Seek briefings from local pilots regarding current conditions and effect on local terrain. The Southside launch can be challenging in a light south-east wind. A tailwind traverse along the ridge provides no lift and puts the pilot in a wind shadow with low or nil wind. The wing involved was a high speed paramotor wing with wing tip steering. A sharp 180º turn to land into wind resulted in a spin, dropping the pilot on a sand/rock area of the beach. Equipment should be selected to suit prevailing conditions and flown accordingly. #1556 – PG incident Ocean Grove sand dunes, Vic PIC was flying an EN-B paraglider at Ocean Grove and was caught in a strong gust and pushed backwards on top of a dune. Use of speed-bar enabled the pilot to maintain position without personal injury or damage to equipment and land successfully. Always maintain a vigilant watch on changing conditions and maintain a safety margin accordingly. #1602 PG Bells Beach Southside, Vic On 5 December 2021, PIC had made two failed attempts to launch their paraglider in strong conditions at Bells Beach. The third launch attempt resulted in PIC being unweighted and unbalanced, forcing a turn in the opposite direction to their normal, reverse-launch turn. This caused a one and a half twist in the risers and difficulty in controlling with brakes. Another pilot was flying in close proximity. To avoid a collision, PIC managed to locate one brake line above the riser causing the glider to spin and propel them into low scrub close to launch. Minor pain and bruising occurred with all clear given at ER. AIRS Safety Wrap-up