SAFA Skysailor Magazine

57 WINTER 2025 | June-July-August SKY SAILOR #1727 – PG narrowly avoided powerlines on landing approach, Qld/N PIC was coming into land at Mutarnee following a short cross-country flight from Pops launch at Coolbie (Qld/N). Whilst on approach, the pilot hit some unanticipated sink, then noticed some powerlines obstructing their flight path. PIC turned and flew parallel to the lines into a cleared up-slope area. When the wing was at the same height as the powerlines, the left wingtip snagged in a small tree. They kept pressure in wing and landed safely on their feet. A small hole was ripped in the left wingtip, with no injury to pilot. Always check the landing area thoroughly for hazards before committing to land. Allow a sufficient margin around hazards to be able to safely deal with the unexpected. #1738 – PG accident on emergency landing, Vic A low-hours pilot was flying their paraglider at Mystic (Vic). PIC failed to ensure a clear glide path to a safe landing area. Subsequently, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in unfa- vourable terrain, resulting in two stable vertebrae fractures. Pilots are reminded that flying unpowered aircraft carries with it the onus to ensure a safe glide to a safe landing area when it is clear that a landing may be imminent. #1825 – Turbulence on HG final approach, Vic PIC was on approach to land their hang glider at the Birchip tow paddock (Vic). The pilot turned onto final with feet out and legs crossed, approaching with >50km/h ground speed, into a ~20km/h headwind. PIC had both hands on the basebar, with the bar pulled to hips and an open paddock ahead, with the nearest ob- stacles (cars) ~20m to the left behind the glider. They experienced a sudden drop to ground with no discernible attitude change nor warning. The wheels hit first, preceding a sharp nose-in. PIC then swung up into RH side of the sail under-surface with left forearm protecting head. The forearm shattered an under-surface batten, and the helmet visor tore a hole in the sail. Another pilot experienced strong turbu- lence prior to landing in the minute before this landing. Nothing significant was felt during this approach until the incident. The