SAFA Skysailor Magazine

42 SKY SAILOR May | June 2024 AIRS Safety Wrap-up Next, not a tree landing, but definitely an interaction with some deceased vegetation following some other interesting activities. #1593 – PG caught tree branch on landing, Tas PIC was flying their paraglider under super- vision at Winton (Tas). The wind direction was optimal for the site (S-SE), but in the upper limit of the envelope, approximately 14kt. The pilot quickly gained altitude and realised they were being blown backwards. Their supervising pilot then called over the radio to apply full speedbar and turn away from the hill. PIC applied full bar, but was confused as to whether ‘turn away from the hill’ meant to head up- or downwind. Other pilots then also chimed in on radio to ‘turn away from the hill’. PIC then decided to turn downwind. They flew without encountering any turbulence. Once the pilot felt to be clear of rotor, they selected a clearing to land in which required an approach between trees. As they made their landing, the wing caught a dead tree branch, damaging the fabric on two cells on the right- hand side. PIC was unharmed. The entire flight lasted five minutes. All pilots are advised to stay off the airwaves when a supervisor is communicating with their pilot, especially in a potentially serious situation. Supervisors are reminded to ensure their advice is clear and unambiguous. In this situation the addition of ‘...into wind’, or ‘... towards the LZ’ would have removed any doubt. Finally, all pilots should consider carefully whether allowing a low-hours pilot to launch in the top-end of the envelope is advisable. At this site, launching in these conditions, low down the launch face, is doable, but may not necessarily have been best practice in this case. We’ll finish up with three more reports from Queensland. #1544 – Beechmont BO PG accident, Qld/S PIC was coming in to land their paraglider into a very light headwind at the Beechmont LZ (Qld/S). They had their legs down, ready to land, but encountered a dust devil or some turbulence at about 3-5m AGL. The wing was lifted, but then collapsed on the left. The pilot applied right weight-shift, away from the collapse, but swung through as the wing recovered. PIC unfortunately impacted the ground and sustained fractures to the wrist, ribs, and pelvis, all on their left side. PIC correctly had their legs down for the landing, but the circumstances of this situation meant the impact involved a significant amount of energy against their body. If this occurs with more clearance, adopt the Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) posture, and prepare to dissipate the impact in that manner. See this video from Jocky Sanderson for an explanation of the PLF. #1557 – Sunrise Beach 17/10/2021, PG, Qld/S The PIC was flying Sunrise Beach (Qld/S). The wind direction was due east, 10kt. PIC launched and headed north, following the ridge approximately 200m. They performed