SAFA Skysailor Magazine

38 SKY SAILOR January | February 2024 AIRS Safety Wrap-up #1532 – Pilot knocked off feet by visiting ground-handling PG speed flyer (possibly unlicensed), at Long Reef NE, NSW A SAFA member was on the ground at Long Reef NE (NSW) without any flying gear on when they were struck by a person flying a mini-wing unlawfully (non-member of SAFA). The SAFA member suffered a fractured leg. The PIC has been referred previously to CASA for unlawful flight operations, and this matter has likewise been referred to CASA. All persons on the ground should keep an eye turned to the sky to beware of the unexpected. #1533 – PG tree landing, NSW PIC launched off from Long Reef NE launch (NSW) and turned left to head northward along the ridge. Two other pilots were in the air at the time of the incident. As the PIC traversed the ridge, another pilot sought to extend their downwind leg (as a courtesy to encourage the PIC to continue along the left-hand side of the ridge). The PIC acknowledging this courtesy, then moved closer to the ridge to ensure adequate sepa- ration. Conditions had been variable, and the PIC had noted some ‘pulsing’ of the wind while ground handling prior to launch. When approximately halfway along the ridge, the wind suddenly dropped slightly and the PIC immediately lost height. This resulted in the PIC’s harness clipping the top of a tree, this then unloaded the glider, resulting in the PIC descending further and conducting a tree landing. No damage or injury. Allow sufficient vertical and horizontal separation from obstacles to allow for a safe escape when sink is encountered. When a tree- landing has occurred, make yourself secure and await assistance; a fall from height can be fatal. #1538 – PG incident at take-off, Qld/N The pilot was inflating their paraglider at Mt Inkerman (Qld/N) prior to take-off. During the process of getting the glider above their head, a thermal gust picked them off their feet, causing the glider to drop sideways downwind, and dragging the pilot to the side of the launch surface. PIC landed shoulder and head-first, impact- ing rocks on the side of take-off. Assistance was given monitoring the pilot’s condition; th pilot was feeling breathless and sore. Local pilots recommended the pilot go to hospital for a check-up. They did, and X-rays showed a compressed stable fracture L5. Pilots should be prepared to adopt the Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) posture if plucked off launch and unable to completely control or collapse the wing. Always wear a helmet. That’s it for this issue. I hope you all have a pleasant and safe holiday season. Fly safe.