SAFA Skysailor Magazine

67 SPRING 2025 | September-October-November SKY SAILOR 30m down the slope. They suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle. Pilots must remain prepared to abort a launch at any stage prior to actual flight should any phase of the launch sequence fail. #1751 – PG hard landing, Vic PIC was in the process of landing their paraglider at Mystic (Vic). A hard landing resulted from the glider pitching forwards after flying through and exiting a thermal on final approach. Minor bruising resulted. Pilots should remain prepared for thermic effects close to the ground, especially on final approach. This should include a readiness to collect any surge in good time if close to touchdown. #1753 – PG failed take-off 03/01/23 at Mt Tambourine, Qld/S PIC performed a clean reverse launch of their paraglider in light conditions at Mt Tamborine (Qld/S). As the glider inflated, it pulled slightly to the left. PIC corrected the direction and committed to launching. After take-off and clearing the first line of trees, they encountered what felt like significant sink. It was evident they would not clear the next tree line 50m from launch and applied a slight amount of brake to slow their impact. Their harness clipped a branch, and PIC was spun 180-degrees, then flown backwards into a heavy impact with a large tree about 100m from take-off. The canopy of this tree caught their glider, and PIC was left suspended several metres from the ground. A tree rescue was performed by the local SES and aided by two paramedics. The pilot was taken to Gold Coast hospital where several small fractures were di- agnosed; and released that evening. All equipment was recovered the following day by Canungra club members. Pilots should make a determined run when committing to a launch in light conditions. If this is not done, be aware that upon leaving the ground, the wing is going to accelerate and surge forward slightly, and before it reaches the appropriate airspeed, it’s going to sink. Once the wing has reached sufficient airspeed, it will generate lift. If pilots do launch in light conditions, they should be aware and prepared to abort the launch if they cannot feel the wing lifting during the run, particularly if there are obstacles below launch, such as trees.