SAFA Skysailor Magazine

43 September | October 2021 SKY SAILOR Rainbow Beach can be a very busy flying site and is frequented regularly by Novice pilots. All pilots need to fly conservatively around other pilots and give them plenty of space. If the area looks busy, wait for another opportunity. This is equally relevant when flying – remain alert, watch for other gliders and give them space. Pilots who do not possess good ground handling skills should make themselves aware of other pilots and only launch when it is safe to do so. The same applies when launching a glider to make sure no member of the public, or pilot is standing behind your wing when you launch, so as not to cause injury to any third party if the inflation is unsuccessful. AIRS #1486 – Accidental reserve deployment, Manilla SoO 2021 PIC was flying at the State of Origin compe- tition at Manilla (NSW). Shortly after launching from the east launch, they experienced an accidental reserve deployment, and landed safely. They had accepted a lift up the hill after a previous flight and had not conducted a check of the reserve handle pins prior to undertaking this subsequent flight. All pilots are reminded to include a check of reserve deployment handle pins prior to each flight. The pins can become dislodged quite easily, especially when harnesses have been quickly bundled into vehicles in the rush to get back up to launch. AIRS #1466 – HG Spion Kop powerline strike PIC was a low hours Supervised HG pilot flying at Spion Kop (Vic). They had received a site briefing from the Duty Pilot as required by Energy Safe Victoria. The DP has conducted a pre-flight check of the glider. PIC was flying with a new harness and the hang check included getting into the stirrup. Wind was 14 to16kt headwind. The pilot launched well with minor assistance. PIC turned to the right off launch and proceeded into prone. The left turn was steeper than the DP expected, and they then noticed that PIC had their hands still on the uprights. PIC then continued the left turn without correction. From Witness #1 flying above, the glider had completed a full 360 and was pointing back out toward the ocean. By this stage, the glider was behind launch and had struck the power- lines (22kv, three lines) from behind (north side). The aircraft’s front wires were severed as were the hang straps, detaching the pilot. When first observed by Witness #2, the pilot was hanging from the A-frame, then dropped to the ground (no electrical contact to earth). The glider fell from the powerlines on top of the pilot. No injury to PIC, validated by ambulance officer a short time later. The glider was destroyed. Inspection of powerlines indicated that all three lines had been arcing, validated later by Powercorp inspectors. Lines were replaced later that evening. If new to a harness, and particularly for low airtime pilots, it is recommended to only try to get into prone/make any adjustments once well established on the ridge. That’s it for this issue folks. Until next time, fly safe.