SAFA Skysailor Magazine

38 SKY SAILOR December-January-February | SUMMER 2025 upper left cascade of PIC1’s wing, resulting in a rotational collapse of both wings less than 200ft above the terrain. Both pilots deployed their reserves with PIC2’s deployed successfully, but PIC1’s was delayed and never arrested their descent rate further. Radio contact was immediately established with both pilots who landed in the low undergrowth and successfully self-extracted. PIC2 had only one minor arm bruise and PIC1 had multi- ple minor skin lacerations about the arms and face. All pilots need to fly with suitable situational awareness; constantly observing their own position and wing, while constantly anticipating the changing position of other pilots and wings. This needs to be reiterated by supervising pilots during the briefing and in the air. All pilots are reminded that the right of way is not a given, and it is incumbent upon all pilots to take all steps possible to avoid a collision. #1614 – PG accident, NSW PIC was flying their paraglider at Stanwell Park (NSW). They caught light lift over the south ridge and started circling, when they realised they were being blown back. The pilot flew towards the front of the ridge, but without speedbar, and consequently was getting lower without making head- way. They then pushed on speedbar to attempt to get in front of the trees and took a symmetric collapse in rotored air. A tree landing and extraction by emer- gency services followed. The wing was damaged during the extraction. The pilot was uninjured. The condition of the tree is unknown. Pilots must be mindful of the wind strength and direction when circling chasing lift, and ensure they are not being blown back into rotored air or a location without landing alternatives. Push forward into wind on full speedbar to make AIRS Safety wrap-up