A pilot attending a thermal clinic at "Inspo" failed to land at an appropriate LZ and ended up running into power lines in a neighborhood. The pilot passed by several good options for landing in an attempt to make it to the church LZ. Pilot was not under supervision during the landing phase. The pilot walked away uninjured and power was lost for part of the neighborhood for several hours.
A few items to be taken away from this incident are:
1. Walking away from an incident with power lines is a very lucky scenario and often times incidents with power lines can be fatal.
2. When flying a mountain site, or any site in general, pilots should be very conservative and be willing to land at the first available place when getting low.
3. If flying cross country, it is always very important to be choosing possible bailout LZ's along the way and providing adequate clearance to reach potential landing zones.
4. Having a specific flight plan in mind before flying can prevent incidents such as this.
5. Instructors conducting clinics should have full radio contact with participants at all phases during flight and keep a watchful eye until they land to ensure their safety.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
N. Side Student Ankle Fracture PG
A student suffered an ankle fracture at the bottom of the North side in a very light wind landing. Could have happened to anyone. We should all use about as much caution in zero wind as we do in strong wind. Both are technically demanding.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
West Mountain PG
A pilot flying low in thermal conditions suffered a series of events that resulted in a hurt back and leg. He was evacuated via helicopter. Avoid flying low over rough terrain in strong thermal conditions.
North Side Stall Spin Mid - Air 6/20/12 PG
An experienced pilot spun and stalled his glider trying to avoid a tandem glider. In the process, he hit the tandem though the tandem was unaffected. He stalled and spun into the steep, sandy, side hill of the lower part of the north side and had a slight concussion but was otherwise un-injured.
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