SAFA Skysailor Magazine

66 SKY SAILOR September-October-November | SPRING 2026 Doctors were on scene at the park and provided first aid and assistance, and a witness pilot landed immediately to help. EMS were called and an air ambulance transported the pilot to hospital. The wheelbase unit frame was badly buckled, with the prop broken and frame cracked. The pilot suffered fractured skull, broken arms, wrist, vertebrae near neck and hip. This site would be considered unsuitable for a novice pilot, with too many obstructions: light poles, trees, general public, etc. Even though the wind felt light, it would have been sheltered in this park with trees creating a lee-side wind condition, making assessment of the true wind strength difficult. The trees also generated mechanical turbulence from the wind. The pilot was trying to climb out, but due to turbulent air this was difficult, and the pilot had to keep turning to avoid obstacles, resulting in more height lost. The pilot trying to turn left against the torque twist of the engine with power on meant they had to apply more left brake to turn the glider. This, combined with turbulent air, caused the left side of the wing to stall and spin; it then reinflated and, being too low to the ground, a severe impact resulted. #1631 – PG pilot, seizure on launch, NSW Pilot was on launch at Merewether (NSW), when they suffered a seizure, lasting approximately five minutes. A witness on launch (emergency doctor at John Hunter Hospital) assisted their recovery. An ambulance arrived and the pilot was taken to their home having regained consciousness. Seizures are a condition that unfortunately mean the affected member must not act as Pilot-In-Command (SAFA AIRS Safety Wrap-up – Spring 2026