SAFA Skysailor Magazine

45 July | August 2023 SKY SAILOR Human Factors Air (the environment) -Man (I’m safe) -Ship (the aircraft) I’M SAFE Illness? Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness or disorder? Medication and other drugs? Have I been taking or mixing prescription, over-the-counter or recreational drugs? Stress? Am I under psychological pressure from my job or personal circumstances? Am I worried about financial matters, health problems or family matter? Alcohol? Have I been consuming alcohol within the previous eight hours? Is my blood alcohol level less than 0.02? Would my average alcohol consumption be greater than ‘very low risk’? Fatigue? Am I tired or inadequately rested? Eating and Drinking? Am I adequately nourished and hydrated? #1711 – PG pilot hit by rotor, Vic PIC was flying their paraglider at Flinders Golf Course (Vic). They approached the Blowhole to the west of launch and entered a volume of rotored air caused by a recent wind shift. The wing took an asymmetric collapse, which the pilot was unable to recover. They then impacted terrain on the cliff. The pilot was able to drag themselves to clear ground and summon assistance. Significant spinal injuries were sustained. The area around the Blowhole is known for rotor in unfavourable wind directions. Pilots must anticipate the possibility that a wind shift may cause this and avoid the area if there is any doubt as to the wind direction and strength. #1770 – PG single pilot accident Maleny-Montville Road, Qld/S PIC launched from Gerard’s Lookout (Qld/S); weather conditions were good for the site with winds light 5-8kt ENE, slightly crossed. Light winds mean no ridge lift is present, so only thermic flying is possible. PIC was flying, turning figure of eights in light lift in front of launch, approximately 30m above the height of launch. They felt a strong thermal with more lift (approximately 4m/s) and turned hard right to try to core the thermal. The left wing collapsed due to hitting the edge of the thermal. PIC applied even more right-hand brake and weight-shift to counteract the wing trying to turn left. This caused the right-hand wing to collapse, result- ing in the glider spinning to the right.