SAFA Skysailor Magazine

61 SPRING 2026 | September-October-November SKY SAILOR keeping their body face down and pushing their head under water. As a consequence of this PUI was fighting for breath by pushing and swimming frantically with their hands and wrapping themself heavily in the lines. The rescue boat crew arrived in a matter of seconds and saved them from possibly drowning. Advanced manoeuvres training of any type should always be conducted over water, and this incident highlights the need for a rescue boat at all times. PUI identified the following causal factors: 1 Asymmetrical brakes release during the stall recovery is most likely the cause of the wing twist. 2 Pilot over-reaction and excessive brake input during the recovery phase. 3 Legs extended in the pod harness may have contributed to the multiple twists of the risers. 4 PFD had not been activated before falling into the water. Finding the activation handle had proven very difficult once in the water under a lot of stress. 5 Back protection of the pod harness has too much buoyancy, keeping the pilot face down, which may lead to drowning if longer period of time is necessary for the rescue boat to arrive. 6 On later inspection we found that the rescue parachute had developed multiple lines tangled with the bridle at the attachment point (Maillon Rapide type) with the harness. When deciding to deploy the reserve, make that decision as early as possible. Ensure that the reserve and harness bridles are secured in place on the maillon by twisted rubber bands, or a dedicated maillon cover. Self-amalgamating tape will also perform this function. The common mechanism that automatically inflates the PFD utilises a dissolving pellet to hold back the firing pin. The mechanism unit has a limited life and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure the expiry date has not been passed. Replace the unit if expired. #1178– PG accident at Long Reef, NSW PIC was flying their mini wing at Long Reef (NSW). PIC initiated a downwind turn towards the hill, did not make any further correction, and impacted a member of the public, causing PIC concussion, and breaking the leg of the bystander. Impact