SAFA Skysailor Magazine

56 SKY SAILOR June-July-August | WINTER 2026 #1912 – PG knee injury while ground-handling, Tas Pilot (PG5) was ground-handling a mini wing in restricted space on a beach (Tas). The trimmers were in and the pilot was struggling to move the wing forward. They misjudged their footing and extended their leg too soon, tearing the ACL and meniscus on impact. Pilots are urged to practise with new wings in more benign conditions with some assistance available, should it be required. #1922 – PG dusty launch, Tas PIC was launching from behind a small rock on Mt King William (Tas). They had previously observed another pilot expe- riencing difficulties launching from this location. On inflation, the wing plucked the pilot up, before collapsing on one side, and dropping the pilot to the ground. The wing was then spun 12 times on the ground by a dust devil moving through. Beware of launching behind topographic features that may induce turbulence and provoke dust devils, especially if other pilots have been observed experiencing similar difficulties. #1934 – PG accident, ACT A PG3 pilot was alone on launch at Spring Hill (ACT) preparing to launch. Conditions were light and during their launch run, the wing did not generate lift as expected. They continued with the launch and skimmed the surface of the gentle slope in sinking air. The wing then made a sudden turn to the right and the PIC collided with a less than 1m tall rock, resulting in a fractured fibula, and a fracture to the elbow that required surgical stabilisation. Always be prepared to abort launch if sufficient lift is not being generated. This could occur due to a change in wind direction, becoming katabatic during the launch process, and not being detected. AIRS Safety Wrap-up