SAFA Skysailor Magazine

39 September | October 2021 SKY SAILOR too long and close to the amenities building. PIC applied hard brake in the last moments causing a stall close to the ground. PIC landed on their outstretched arm causing a dislocated and possible fractured wrist. When facing unexpected problems, it is important to not fixate on any obstructions that may impinge on a decided path. Look at where you want to go rather than where you don’t want to go and control the flight along the desired path. An alternate solution to this pilot’s problems would have been to abort the landing by turning right to glide away over the fall line of the slope in an easterly direction and then take the option of heading to the beach. When in doubt, always take the safest option, in this case, a beach landing. AIRS #1320 – Hard top landing in katabatic conditions PIC (PG2) had made six flights on this day, spending a total of 3.5 hours in the air and landing twice at the South Top LZ and three times at the East Top LZ before this incident. As PIC approached the East Top LZ at 5:14pm, the conditions had changed from previous landings with the wind changing to katabatic with associated rotor close to the East Launch. The windsock on the East Launch was indicating nil wind whilst the windsock on the South Launch indicated at least 5kt ENE. PIC did not appear to hear shouted calls from pilots on launch to head to the beach. A few Human Factors Air (the environment) -Man (I’m safe) -Ship (the aircraft) I’M SAFE Illness? Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness or disorder? Medication and other drugs? Have I been taking or mixing prescription, over-the-counter or recreational drugs? Stress? Am I under psychological pressure from my job or personal circumstances? Am I worried about financial matters, health problems or family matter? Alcohol? Have I been consuming alcohol within the previous eight hours? Is my blood alcohol level less than 0.02? Would my average alcohol consumption be greater than ‘very low risk’? Fatigue? Am I tired or inadequately rested? Eating and Drinking? Am I adequately nourished and hydrated?