SAFA Skysailor Magazine

54 SKY SAILOR June-July-August | WINTER 2026 #1821 – PG incident at 13th Beach, Vic PIC launched their paraglider from 13th Beach (Vic) and upon becoming airborne encountered an increase in drag, caused by debris caught in the lines and deforming the wing. The increase in drag caused the wing to travel up and backwards over the dune. The PIC made contact with a vehicle and landed against a railing. No injury to any party. No visible damage occurred, but it was later con- firmed there was damage to the soft-top mechanism of the vehicle. Names and phone numbers were exchanged. When launching from a beach, or any natural terrain, the potential to collect debris in the lines is high. Any deformation in the wing can produce an increase in drag or instability in the wing. A PIC should make a visible assessment of the lines and overall integrity of the aerofoil prior to committing to the launch. #1903 – PG crash landing, Qld/S PIC launched their paraglider from Mt Tamborine (Qld/S) and flew south to Canungra. They selected their LZ, the Canungra 1 paddock. The PIC conducted height loss operations, but left the decision to go on final glide too late. This resulted in an unintended landing on a flat cafe roof, sustaining a deep laceration and blood loss, and requiring assistance from emergency services. A ventilation pipe on the cafe was damaged which the pilot paid to be repaired. If the airspace over the LZ is available, perform diminishing radius turns (a conical approach) into the LZ. This reduces the length of the final glide into a constrained LZ. Failing this, as altitude loss is accomplished, perform figure-8s over the middle of the LZ, allowing for a very short downwind and final turn onto final approach. AIRS Safety Wrap-up