SAFA Skysailor Magazine

62 SKY SAILOR September-October-November | SPRING 2026 occurred approximately 20m E of Long Reef NE launch site around the lookout. Given the speed of a downwind impact while flying a speed/mini wing, this incident could easily have resulted in the death of either the PIC or the member of the public. Pilots should be aware that performing any manoeuvres or even normal operations, low in front of a crowded take-off, can result in major incidents. Pilots should also ensure the air is clear before attempting such manoeuvres or making a turn. Any 180 or 360 manoeuvres beginning with a downwind turn into the hill should only be attempted with sufficient height and clearance as to safely complete the manoeuvre clear of terrain and other pilots. #1397 – Observation Beach PG landing, WA A group of PG pilots (four PG4, one PG3) were visiting Esperance (WA) to try some new sites; one of the PG4 pilots had been shown this particular site, Observatory Beach, rated PG2, on a previous trip. The four PG4 pilots decided it would be best if the PG3 pilot landed on the beach near the carpark, at the far end of the ridge to the left of launch, but they had not closely inspected the beach. As it was coming to late afternoon, the wind direction changed to be slightly to the right, and eased, so they decided to land. On landing, the PG4 pilots were told by a member of the public that the PG3 pilot had had an accident. They hurried down to the carpark near where PG3 was to land and found the beach was a mix of sand and rock. PG3 had come in for a downwind landing and possibly focused on a cluster of several large rocks instead of the sand a couple of metres to the side. Marks on the sand showed that their feet had skidded on the sand in front of the rocks before impacting them. The rocks that were hit covered an area of about 6m 2 and stood about 60cm AIRS Safety Wrap-up – Spring 2026