SAFA Skysailor Magazine

37 November | December 2023 SKY SAILOR Beach. Always leave sufficient vertical and horizontal clearance from all obstacles taking into account the wind strength and direction. #1761 – PG downwind landing at Dudley, NSW PIC launched from the Bombala Street launch at Dudley (NSW). They pushed to the south, rounding the corner at the look-out, antici- pating lift off the cliffs. This did not occur, and they instead encountered sink. Realising they were well past a safe landing area, PIC turned and ran downwind, only just reaching a small area of sand clear of the sea. They skidded in and bounced off a rock with their right shin, suffering minor abrasions. No glider damage. Pilots need to be aware of their closest safe LZ at all times. Do not stray beyond being able to make that landing in anticipation of gaining lift further down your intended flight path. Just because it has happened previously, does not guarantee it will occur every time. Complacency is to be avoided. #1775 – PG top landing accident Possums Shoot, Coorabell, Northern Rivers, NSW PIC launched their PG from Possum’s Shoot (Coorabell, NSW). They flew a few soaring passes but decided to top-land due to light conditions. PIC came in too low and fast, with a crossed tailwind, and impacted with a rock hidden in the long grass. Although