SAFA Skysailor Magazine

69 SPRING 2025 | September-October-November SKY SAILOR always stay within reach of a safe landing. If the risk of a water landing exists, fly with an inflatable life jacket and easily accessible hook knife. #2099 – Hard PG landing / arm injury, NSW PIC was landing their paraglider at the Manilla Sky Park LZ (NSW). They en- countered a lift bubble during the landing flare, which they released resulting in a strong swing-through and subsequent harder landing. They stumbled and caught their fall with their right arm, resulting in a fracture right radius. PIC attended Tamworth hospital for treatment. Releasing a flare is fraught with peril as a swing-through is almost always assured. Always be prepared to adopt a PLF (parachute landing fall) on landing to reduce the risk of a fracture of projecting limbs. #2100 – PG misjudged glide distance on landing, NSW A low-hours PG2 pilot was flying their paraglider on their third flight of the day at Long Reef (NSW). Conditions had been light, but for the third flight soaring was possible. After 20 minutes, they lost lift and headed for a landing using the same approach as previously. The flight path was extended due to the tendency for this site to produce lift down low with the stronger conditions. The pilot ran out of space towards the end of the beach as the sand narrowed. When the pilot’s feet were just above the ground at the end of the beach, the left side of the wing caught a tree branch. The pilot landed hard onto their left side into a grassy sand bank. A fractured wrist was diagnosed. An approach to landing in light conditions will not be the same as in stronger conditions. A crabbing approach pointing more into wind may be the better method, particularly if there is the possibility of overshooting with a straight-in approach. #2104 – HG beach landing close to the surf, WA A supervised hang glider pilot had launched at Shelley Beach near Albany (WA) without the benefit of having and Advanced pilot in attendance to supervise. PIC launched in crossed conditions that were unsuitable for this site and the pilot’s skills/experience. Not finding any lift, PIC headed towards the south face and encountered sink. This placed them in