SAFA Skysailor Magazine

62 SKY SAILOR December-January-February | SUMMER 2025/2026 Always expect the unexpected and maintain a line to a safe landing. #1837 – PG accident at Long Reef, NSW A low-hours PG2 pilot arrived at Long Reef (NSW). The wind was averaging 11-14kt ENE-NE. They were advised not to fly, leading them to head down to the beach where they commenced ground handling. Whilst doing so, a gust of wind plucked them into the air. Initially, they crabbed along the beach at low altitude, but then turned to land. The turn initiated some roll, and PIC struck the beach whilst in the pendulum follow-through motion. PIC fell into the recovery position and felt a sharp pain in their back and remained on the ground until other pilots assisted and PIC was taken to hospital where a stable fracture of L2 vertebra was diagnosed. Low hours pilots should ground handle in more benign conditions and build up to stronger conditions as their skills develop. Be aware of the dangers of turning to run downwind; even at low altitude a fast, sudden stop on sand has the potential to cause damage. Maintain crabbing flight until touchdown if there is space to do so. #1838 – PG spin at Wilson’s launch, Qld/S PIC launched their paraglider from Wilson’s (Qld/S), an inland ridge near Toowoomba. During the flight, whilst turning towards the hill, they realised that their turn radius was not adequate and pulled more brake, which resulted in a spin. There was insuf- ficient altitude to recover airspeed, and the wing went into a parachutal stall. PIC descended to the hill face with the wing being ripped in a tree. No injuries. On a flight the week before PIC noticed that the brake lines had experienced some shrinkage and they were flying with some brake on at all times. AIRS Safety Wrap-up