SAFA Skysailor Magazine

36 SKY SAILOR November | December 2023 AIRS Safety Wrap-up interacting with the light thermal. Indeed, PIC has encountered these conditions at this site previously, but at a greater altitude, which allowed time for a recovery to be completely executed. The recovery from these types of collapses requires the hands to be up completely once the wing is flying straight, otherwise another collapse may be initiated, as occurred here. Finally, be prepared to throw the reserve at any stage and do not hesitate to do so, especially if low over terrain. Continuing north, we’re into NSW. #1724 – Unintended PG reserve deployment on launch, NSW PIC had inflated their wing whilst preparing to undertake a Trial Instructional Flight from Bald Hill, Stanwell Park (NSW), when their reserve parachute fell out of the harness. PIC aborted the launch. All pilots are reminded to check the reserve parachute handle and pins prior to each flight. #1720 – HG collision with hill side after take off, Stanwell Tops, NSW PIC has launched their hang glider from Bald Hill, Stanwell Park (NSW), in crossed wind conditions. As they left launch, they turned left, begun gaining height, but then entered an area of dead air while they were distracted whilst climbing into their harness. PIC drifted back towards the ridge, failing to counter this, and descended onto a shallow portion of the ridge, landing in long grass and bushes. The base bar was damaged, and PIC suffered minor bruising and soreness to their ribcage. Pilots are reminded to aviate first, before all else; worry about getting fully into the harness when clear of terrain. #1707 – PG accident at Stanwell, NSW A low-hours PG2 pilot was flying their paraglider at Bald Hill, Stanwell Park (NSW). PIC had not allowed enough separation from the vegetation and landed in trees. Minor damage to the wing resulted. Pilots are reminded to head directly to the LZ if no lift is found. Allow sufficient vertical and horizontal separation from obstacles to allow for a safe escape when sink is encountered. When a tree-landing has occurred, make yourself secure and await assistance; a fall from height can be fatal. #1848 – SSO review on Long Reef PG accident 2 June 2023, NSW PIC was flying their paraglider at Long Reef NE (NSW). Conditions were suitable for PG3 flight operations, but the tide was high and excavation works were in progress in front of the golf clubhouse, leaving little room for landing. On the landing approach, the left wing-tip or lines snagged a tree on the edge of the clearing. This resulted in the wing rapidly spinning 180º and stalling. The pilot collided with the terrain, with their legs and harness protection taking the bulk of the impact. PIC suffered unstable vertebrae fractures, re- quiring surgical stabilisation of L2-4, reported prognosis is good, rehabilitation is required, and PIC won’t be flying for several months. Pilot should be aware of the risk of colliding with the pine trees when flying to Fisherman’s