SAFA Skysailor Magazine

44 SKY SAILOR December-January-February | SUMMER 2025 #2007 – Failed HG launch, Fisher St, Phillip Island, Vic During a July winter time excursion, a recently intermediate rated HG pilot launched their Airborne Sting 3 at (new to them) Fisher St site, Phillip Island (Vic). There was primarily a headwind of approx. 14-17kt, varying slightly from the right. The site is a low (~3-4m) W-facing sand dune with a narrow beach. A witness reported the pilot launched successfully, but failed to turn right up the beach, overflying the sea. PIC then turned right and pushed out on the basebar, the HG turned 180º and nosedived into the lower part of the dune. During launch another witness identified a slight left turn after take off. PIC described being at low level over the water caused them some panic and PIC subsequently failed to in- crease the glider’s speed during the right- hand turn to the beach, causing a stall. PIC fractured a hip and was evacuated to hospital by helicopter. The glider sustained damage to its downtubes and structure. The heli-rescue incurred several thousand dollars cost. When flying a small site, a floater type glider is more suitable than a higher performance glider. Ensure wings are level and into wind during launch to prevent drift. On this and similar sites, with limited width of beach, be prepared to immediately turn away from the water’s edge. For all coastal strong wind launches use wire assist if available, fly with others who can report an accident should one occur, and always have ambulance insurance cover as the PIC did. #2020 – PG tree landing, Qld/S PIC was flying their paraglider at Beechmont (Qld/S). Their wing had been trimmed a few days prior and two check flights completed prior to this flight. Conditions had changed since those flights and when these improved, PIC made the decision to launch. Conditions in the air AIRS Safety Wrap-up