SAFA Skysailor Magazine

38 SKY SAILOR September | October 2022 appeared to reduce power to land 200m up the runway and had then rounded out too high. On the prior pass, and on this final approach, the CFI reminded them by radio to apply more power and airspeed. The aircraft then descended rapidly and took a heavy landing on the tarmac, sustaining significant damage. There was no injury to the pilot. Pilots of these powered and unpowered hang gliders are reminded to maintain sufficient power and airspeed on landing, down to a height from which you are safe to touch down. Now up to northern Victoria… AIRS Safety Wrap-up Photo: Mike Long #1407 – Ray’s Launch PG accident A PG3 pilot was flying from Ray’s Launch at Manny’s (NE Vic). The pilot was forced into a sub-optimal landing by having over-committed to a particular landing approach in thermic conditions. This developed into a hard landing into bad topography, resulting in some injuries. Apart from minor lacerations to an ankle, an initially diagnosed sprained right knee was eventually found to be a fracture of the tibia at the knee plateau. Pilots should remain vigilant when approaching landing areas in thermic conditions. They should be prepared for sudden fluctuations in wind direction, strength and turbulence and be able to change their landing approaches accordingly. #1499 – Rotor on final approach, PG A pilot launched from Mystic (Vic) and was on landing approach to a paddock that is subject to wind and rotor fluctuations at certain times of the day. PIC was caught in one of these fluctuations and landed heavily causing a fractured wrist requiring surgical stabilisation. Pilots should thoroughly evaluate any landing options to assess existing or potential hazards. This evaluation should take into account terrain shape as well as meteorological conditions. Now we’re off to Long Reef on the northern beaches of Sydney. #1334 – PG wingtip collapse and partial spin at Long Reef PIC launched at Long Reef NE launch (NSW) and made a left turn to head upwind on