SAFA Skysailor Magazine

38 SKY SAILOR March | April 2023 AIRS Safety Wrap-up All pilots are reminded to always have a plan to reach a safe landing and follow it if in doubt or conditions necessitate landing. #1393 – Paragliding accident A PG pilot had taken off from the west launch on Mt Borah (Manilla, NSW). Conditions at the time were mixed thermic and ridge lift, with winds WSW at 10-25km/h. The witness had themselves just launched and observed the pilot launching to their left into lift, then turning back 180º while 20m agl and not yet clear of launch. During the downwind part of the turn, they had an asymmetric collapse on the left side which rotated them into the back of the launch area. They impacted the launch mats at the very rear of launch in a tailwind and descending turning configuration. The witness top-landed to render assistance and called 000. The pilot was airlifted to Newcastle (John Hunter) Hospital with a fractured humerus, three fractured ribs, fractured pelvis, hip and pubic bone and concussion. It was later assessed they also suffered some internal bleeding due to the pelvic fracture. All pilots are reminded to not turn back towards the hill until there is adequate horizontal and vertical separation, taking into account the prevailing wind and other atmospheric conditions. #1476 – PG accident at Narrabeen Surf Club PIC was attempting to launch their paraglider in front of the South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club building (NSW). The wind strength was strong, and they were having some difficulty handling the wing. Another pilot assisted by steadying them. PIC then launched and immediately ascended very quickly. When they moved to apply the speed system, they applied weight-shift and then were blown back. They impacted the balcony of the building, swung back and were blown over the roof, coming to rest in the carpark behind the building without impacting any vehicles. A fractured wrist was the result. Pilots must be more cognisant of surrounding hazards, particularly in strong conditions, and allow a suitable margin for error. If conditions are so strong that the wing is controlled with difficulty, reconsider the decision to fly. #1574 – Failed PG launch into tree PIC has set up to launch in strong conditions at Crackneck Lookout (NSW). During reverse launch inflation, PIC was lifted off the ground twisted. PIC was dragged to the southern side of the launch area with the wing arrested by vegetation close to the ground. No damage or injury. Pilots should consider carefully the decision to launch in strong conditions and use an appropriate launch technique, e.g. ‘Cobra’ inflation. #1597 – PG speed bar jammed off; safe out landing; no injury/damage; public panics calls emergency services PIC has launched their paraglider at Crackneck Lookout (NSW) and was conducting their first flight with the harness in use. At the point where they would normally turn NE after clearing a known rotor point, they en- countered a strong headwind. They attempted to engage the speed bar, but were not been