SAFA Skysailor Magazine

37 January | February 2024 SKY SAILOR The witness attended the pilot following the accident and found them unconscious with a gash to their head. They rendered first aid and the pilot regained consciousness soon after. Emergency services had been called by other witnesses and arrived within 10-15 minutes following the accident. Safety Officers at sites have a wealth of experience and knowledge of the site and have a very good appreciation of the conditions to be able to make a recommendation as to whether flight is advisable or not. All pilots, particularly pilots with limited experience, should heed their advice. Low-hours pilots should always fly with company; never fly alone. #1416 – PG asymmetric collapse, NSW PIC launched their paraglider from the Point launch at Bald Hill, Stanwell Park (NSW). The wind had been moving to the east/north-east. After inflating and becoming airborne, the pilot initiated a right turn towards the beach, but the wing took a near 50% collapse on the left side. The pilot was swung towards the hill and impacted the steep terrain below launch, requiring an extraction by emergency services. A fractured pelvis was suffered. With winds from the directions indicated (E-NE), launching from the East launch is recommended. Launching from the Point exposes the risk of flying into mechanical turbulence. #1515 – PG accident, Portsea, Vic PIC was flying their paraglider at Portsea (Vic). While doing a series of 360-degree turns, the pilot impacted with terrain behind the coastal lift band, causing injuries to wrist and neck. Pilots should ensure that there is a significant safety margin when performing manoeuvres close to terrain, taking into account the wind strength and direction. A 360-degree turn can cause a loss in altitude and a significant drift toward terrain. #1526 – PG crash into side of the hill, Vic A low-hours PG2 pilot had been ridge soaring with other pilots in good conditions at Three Sisters, Flowerdale (Vic). Whilst attempting to maximise flight time, the pilot chose to attempt to land on the side of the hill instead of moving away and heading to the LZ. While the landing was successful, they continued to kite the wing for less than a minute when the glider collapsed on its right side. Once this happened, the PIC lost total control and was dragged and slammed into the ground several times as the glider flew itself to the right in quick crash and relaunch motions. The pilot was transferred to hospital with broken ribs. Duty pilots need to be clearer in their directions to PG2 pilots and be prepared that they may not follow directions. All supervised pilots should pay close attention to briefings from their supervisors and stick to the intended flight plan. Slope landing on a hill is a high-risk manoeuvre that should not be attempted by inexperienced pilots.