SAFA Skysailor Magazine

30 SKY SAILOR September | October 2024 #1472 – PG: Beware Tamborine Mountain when the wind has a northerly component, Qld/S PIC was flying a new glider for the first launch in light winds with a northerly influence from Mt Tamborine (Qld/S), a west facing site. Scratching low over trees, PIC applied more brake than necessary, causing the glider to enter a parachutal stall with a small spin. PIC went into trees and self-rescued. When flying a new wing, conservative testing of all aspects of control inputs with sufficient clearance from terrain is ideal until PIC becomes familiar with the handling characteristics of the glider. #1572 – PG accident at Portsea, Vic PIC was flying their paraglider close to terrain at Portsea (Vic) when they encountered wake turbulence. This dropped them closer to terrain with the safe option being a top landing. This they did successfully, but whilst subsequently kiting the wing, encountered more turbulence causing the wing to become unstable and pulling PIC down the cliff, resulting in an unstable fracture of T2, stable fracture T6, fractured wrist, fractured jaw, and punctured saliva gland. Once safely on the ground in turbulent air, kill the wing, especially if near a cliff, or steep and dangerous slope. #1578 – PG beginning to spin while turning back towards terrain for top landing, Vic PIC was on their third flight of the day with their paraglider at Cairns Bay (Vic). At the end of the flight, while turning back towards the terrain to set up for a top landing, everything seemed to be flying normal, but nearing the end of the turn, PIC felt the glider buck, then make a small dive. They initiated landing procedures and brought the glider down on the front side of the terrain about a 1-1.5m from the top, then deflated the glider and moved up to the landing area. No injuries or gear damage occurred. Pilots are advised to not apply deep brake inputs when turning close to terrain. Let’s turn our attention to a number of top landing accidents. #2004 – PG top landing accident, NSW PIC was flying their paraglider at Hickson Street, Merewether (NSW). They had kept an eye on a small rain squall off the coast to the east. The squall gradually made its way west and PIC decided it was time to land. Instead of taking a safe and more immediate beach landing, they elected to head for a top landing. PIC had insufficient altitude and took 10 more minutes to gain elevation. By this stage the winds had increased, and PIC arrived high over launch, applied Big Ears and descended to 10-12m agl before releasing. The right wing tip re-inflated, but it is suspected not the left. The pilot had diverted their attention to the approaching ground, flared as normal, but the wing instantly rotated to the left and they fell to the ground landing heavily on their outstretched right arm, suffering a dislocated shoulder with an associated bone fracture. AIRS Safety Wrap-up