SAFA Skysailor Magazine

38 SKY SAILOR November | December 2022 from the live wind data that it was relatively risky to fly at all. It’s rather common for the apparent wind at beach level to be much lower than at just 10ft above. It’s likely that the decision to beach launch fell victim to this effect, and once off the ground, there was little the pilot could do to salvage the situation. All pilots are advised to avoid flying in strong winds. Always carefully assess wind conditions before flying and make use of published live wind readings at nearby stations. Pilots are reminded that the force of the wind increases with the square of the speed. EN-A wings with a larger chord are not as capable of penetrating forward in these conditions, even with full application of the speedbar. HG pilots need to also consider the wind conditions; although HGs are less likely to get blown over the back, the consequences of no penetration or getting turned around at a low level can be catastrophic. #1586 – HG landing accident in the WA wheatbelt, WA An experienced HG pilot was making a landing near Cunderdin (WA) after an XC flight. Wind conditions over the intended landing area were very light (and ‘scariable’), making detection of direction difficult. As it happened, there were windsocks in nearby paddocks and the PIC took a wind direction from these. However, after making a turn for final approach the actual wind was in the opposite direction to that indicated by the windsocks. The tailwind condition became apparent only once they were too low to make a correction. It may be that there was a late change of wind direction due to thermal activity. They levelled the wings and made the best flare possible under the circumstances, but impacted after touchdown, resulting in a broken nose, and bowed downtubes. The fact the pilot wore a full-face helmet prevented more serious facial injuries. Picking wind direction when the prevailing winds are very light can be very difficult and uncertain. Landing in a tailwind in an out-landing situation can be extremely dangerous in any aircraft. Take time prior to landing to ascertain the wind direction and develop an alternative plan should the wind direction be misjudged. #1256 – PPG flying low at Cottesloe, WA A member of the public sent a video of a PPG pilot conducting reckless manoeuvres at low altitude over Cottesloe Beach (WA). Inquiries indicated that the suspected pilot was not, nor had ever been, a member of SAFA. Attempts to contact the suspected pilot were mostly unsuccessful with the pilot refusing to engage. All members are requested to remain alert to PPG operations at this location and to collect photographic and video evidence of any non-compliant behaviour. Where a positive identification can be made, CAR and CASR breaches are referred to CASA for investigation and prosecution. Where CASA have imposed a fine in such cases, they are unable to advise or comment that such an action has been taken due to protection of the AIRS Safety Wrap-up