An experienced pilot suffered a deflation just off launch resulting in a stable lumbar injury and a broken elbow. The conditions were strong. Pilots are reminded to be diligent about keeping the glider pressurized after launch. Talk to your instructor about taking a wrap on the brakes first before getting comfortable in the harness as many deflations after launch happen before the wrap is taken and while a pilot is transitioning into normal - comfortable position in the harness.
Update to original post: reporters indicate the pilot was in sink after launch, already situated in the harness with appropriate wraps on the brakes etc. He then hit what most refer to as a dust devil. A strong and turbulent thermal. He suffered an assymetric deflation and subsequently may have over braked the open side of the glider e.g. over reacted.
It is difficult for pilots to know if they are more prone to over reacting or under reacting. This is usually revealed during over the water maneuvers training.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Student Gully PG South Side August, 5
A student suffered a blown launch into the gully on the South Side and suffered a concussion. The gully poses a considerable risk for students launching, especially in strong conditions.
Student Stall Spin July 29 Approx.
A student suffered a stall spin accident and accompanying neck injury. Students can harbor many misconceptions including the one that pulling brakes will make you come down. It's not always easy to test for every misconception but it is important to try. This goes for pilots of all levels.
June 20 Approx. 2 * HG events
A tandem HG had a blown launch and a solo HG flipped over on launch. It was strong and cross. These conditions make HG ground handling very difficult. It can be very valuable to have an experienced pilot provide a wire assist in such conditions. Even the best wire assist can't prevent an occasional blown launch. These can be low intensity with zero injury or extremely dangerous with grave consequences.
N. Side Non Injury PG June 22 Approx.
Advanced pilot carving a circle to land on the North Side mis-judged and landed on the sidewalk. Aggressive approaches are dangerous for pilots and spectators. This pilot had done the same approach many times. That doesn't mean that it was a good idea.
June 1 Mid Air Non Injury
A HG and a PG pilot had a mid air. They both flew away. The HG pilot was not local and was reported to be flying wildly. PG pilots should yield to HG pilots in difficult conditions. Pilots who are observed to be flying wildly in traffic should be left to fly on their own.
N Side Non Injury PG May 30
An experienced pilot was kiting on the edge of the North Side in strong and cross conditions and took a large deflation. Pilot was OK. It's possible to launch in strong and cross conditions and even kite bidirectionally in the same conditions but it is risky.
Unkown pilot, unknown circumstances. "this is the place park" May 17
Not much is know about this one. 35 year old, bad weather.
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