SAFA Skysailor Magazine

34 SKY SAILOR November | December 2023 AIRS Safety Wrap-up a landing, however, well below launch height and a long way back. They continued to fly towards the beach, but their glide was insuf- ficient to clear the small ridge at the beach and impacted bushes without damage or injury. Head to a safe landing as soon as it becomes clear that altitude cannot be gained. Always have a safe and clear path to the landing zone open to you. #1800 – Flinders 08/02/23, PG, Vic PIC attempted to launch their PG wing in slightly crossed and increasing wind speed at Flinders Golf Course (Vic). They were plucked and dragged off the launch surface, coming to a rest 15m below. Some minor damage to harness and no injuries. Pilots must constantly be aware of changing wind conditions, and prepared to deflate the wing, or not initiate inflation as the circumstances dictate. #1850 – PG mid-air collision in congested airspace, Vic Two relatively novice pilots (PG2 & PG3) were flying in congested airspace at Portsea (Vic). After launch, PIC1 realised their speedbar was not connected. Whilst discussing this with another pilot via radio, they made a 180º turn, not realising that PIC2 was behind and below them, while PIC2 was performing a head-check prior to making a turn themselves. PIC2 took evasive action, but PIC1’s feet dragged across the top of PIC2’s wing. Both pilots were able to continue flying, both later landed safely and debriefed with the SSO in attendance. In congested airspace, full attention is required at all times. A head-check must be performed to ensure the air behind is clear, before making a turn. In the event of problems with equipment, land immediately to rectify the problem. #1814 – Poor PG landing resulting in injury, Vic PIC was participating in a tow endorsement clinic at Porepunkah airfield (Vic). They had been towed up and successfully released the tow. During the landing phase of the flight, they misjudged the thermic conditions and made a sub-optimal landing approach. This was then exacerbated by an overly late decision to turn low to attempt an upwind landing. It resulted in a hard landing with a sprained left wrist and a stable compression fracture to L3 vertebra. Pilots setting up for landing should be vigilant for any wind changes (thermic or otherwise). Be aware when turning downwind that you are reducing the energy of the wing, increasing the stall speed, and increasing the likelihood of a stall of one or both sides of the wing. This should be considered when within falling distance of the ground. The subsequent hard landing will be exacerbated by the pendulum effect on the pilot. #1807 – Bright Open #3, PG, Vic A highly experienced pilot was competing in the 2023 edition of the Bright PG Open (Vic). Whilst searching for lift in a marginal area, they lost awareness of their proximity to vegetation. Subsequently, a tree snagged a tip line, causing a crash through the canopy to