Monday, December 9, 2013

June 2013 N Side - Crash into Parking Lot w Injuries

During considerably strong and thermic conditions, a highly experienced pilot was on approach to land at the park while flying a hot 17m acro wing.  He chose to set up over the parking lot.  About 30-40' over the cars, he encountered some rough air indicative to the mid-afternoon conditions.  The correction inputs, in an attempt to keep the glider on track, resulted in a spin.  The lack of altitude left no options other than riding it into the ground.  He sustained several injuries including a broken wrist, as well as multiple fractures in his pelvis and left radius.

It's a much safer option to lose altitude and set up your approach over the HG landing field, West of the bathrooms.  Ideally, closer to the bench's edge.  In strong conditions, highly turbulent air can be found low and deep back on the bench from rotor.  That coupled with the thermals produced by the black top parking lot can create a dangerous situation...especially early when the sun is still high.