SAFA Skysailor Magazine

46 SKY SAILOR November | December 2021 Another site we haven’t heard much from is Hoffman’s launch near Killarney in southern Queensland. AIRS #1421: Accident at Killarney PIC was flying their paraglider from Killarney (QLD/S), an inland site they had not flown from previously. PIC had not flown inland for a period of four weeks but received a comprehensive site briefing from the SSO and proceeded to set up in slightly strong conditions. There had been tree clearing operations down the slope and PIC set up on the right side and lower third of the launch surface. On the first launch attempt the pilot was picked up, so aborted the launch. On the second attempt, the pilot was nervous and more aggressive with the brakes, having made their turn, PIC immediately ran down the slope without waiting for the wing to stabilise. PIC lost altitude after leaving the ground and their legs contacted two small trees at the bottom of the launch. The pilot continued flying to the left, delaying a right turn, still unsure if the wing was stabilised, when the wing snagged a tree. PIC performed a PLF landing and suffered multiple (3) fractures to the left scapula, a sprained left ankle and sprained right wrist. Pilots are advised to take their time following the initial inflation of their wing to ensure that the canopy is fully inflated and stable overhead prior to commencing their take-off run. Avoid becoming fixated on obstacles and navigate away from launch. AIRS #1431: Accident at northern launch, Killarney A PG2 pilot was flying their paraglider. PIC had flown there without incident the previous day and had received a full site briefing from the SSO and SO. On the day in question, the pilot had lined up a supervisor who deemed the conditions appropriate for PIC to fly. The site had been over-clouded earlier in the day and was in the early stages of becoming lifty by the time PIC launched, with some small pockets of sink encountered by the SSO already in the air. PIC’s first attempt to launch was aborted, and their second was not without incident with some over-controlling of the wing, however, they made it successfully into the air. The pilot flew over the bowl to the east of launch, then headed over to the first ridge without encountering any lift. PIC then headed to the second ridge once more without gaining any lift, leaving them out of sight of the other pilots, very deep and well away from a safe landing area. Although very low, the pilot tried to glide out, but clipped one tree and was swung into the next. The pilot fell vertically and took the impact through the coccyx and spine. A fracture pelvis resulted, and the pilot was airlifted to hospital. Low hours (or any) pilots should resist the urge to chase for lift when there are limited safe landing options available. In such locations, head towards the landing zone and deal with any bonus lift as it is presented. If new pilots look like they are being lulled into this flight pattern, supervising pilots should be prepared to make the radio call to tell them to head to the LZ. AIRS Safety Wrap-up