SAFA Skysailor Magazine

41 September | October 2021 SKY SAILOR We’re going to wind up this issue with five scary reports. The first two hold really import- ant messages regarding maintenance and equipment inspections for all pilots in general, but more specifically for HG and WM pilots. AIRS #1433 – HG failure in flight PIC was flying their Airborne Fun 2 hang glider at The Bluff, Yeppoon (Qld/N). After flying for 1hr 45min, and while flying in a slow right turn at 300 to 400ft AGL, the pilot heard a bang. The left wing collapsed, and the pilot span down onto the roof of a house. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot suffered multiple rib fractures. There was also some property damage to the house. The aircraft had approximately 420 hours airtime, although initial estimates were 500 to 600 hours, and had been flown almost exclu- sively in coastal environments. When stripped down, it was observed that the left leading edge had failed at a butt joint, with corrosion evident and cracking around the holes where the side-wire bolt was located. At this location there was observed discoloura- tion of the sail. All owners are reminded to read closely the Owner’s Manual for their aircraft and familiarise themselves with the tasks to be undertaken at prescribed times in the aircraft’s life. Complete inspection of hang glider frames needs to be undertaken with the sail removed when specified, or earlier if there is evidence of discolouration of the sail in areas in contact with the frame. This is particularly so for aircraft flown in coastal environments where corrosion is an increased risk. Forms and Documents SAFA Documents are now available in the Member Zone of the SAFA website . To access them select then select ‘Documents’ in the left-hand menu. These documents are constantly updated, so download them only when required. DO NOT save them for later use. The office will not accept outdated forms. Documents available to the general public are accessible on the website under: ‘Pilot Tools’  Forms & Docs Visiting Pilot Membership Pilots requiring Visiting Pilot Memberships please go to www.safa. asn.au/visiting-international-pilots SAFA Office Manager