SAFA Skysailor Magazine

43 July | August 2023 SKY SAILOR to power out, but the engine was not deliv- ering steady power. A wave top caught the trike and pilot and machine were tipped into the sea. They extracted themselves from the harness and stood up in waist-deep water on a sandbar. However, a wave then caught the lines of the wing, entangling and pulling PIC into a rip and deeper water. They were trapped by the lines of the wing for some time, and once free had to deal with the weight of their flying suit. PIC managed to remain afloat on the surface by floating on their back and managed to surf the waves into the beach against the strong rip, but barely survived. When recovered, one propeller blade was found to have a quarter of one side missing. PIC reported that in the weeks leading to this flight they had a prop strike with the cage due to the more powerful motor resulting in a damaged blade, since repaired. Pilots should refrain from piping music through headphones; this makes awareness of changes in engine noise difficult to detect. If excessive vibration is detected during engine operation, land and investigate the possible causes – it may be something far more complicated than a new motor. When intending to fly over water wear an inflatable lifejacket, and always allow a safe distance to glide to the beach. Always retain awareness of the wind conditions throughout the flight and adjust your flight plan accordingly. Now we turn to some accidents that result- ed in serious injuries. #1581 – HG tow lockout followed by reserve failure, NSW PIC was participating in the Barraba Big Toe hang gliding event. Whilst on aerotow at approx. 1500-2000ft agl, both the tug and then