PG stuff

[Spark]

I've posted this for the benefit of any PG pilots who haven't crashed yet.

They say, you're only as good as your last flight. For me, this was PG flight number 1132.

Skip to the end for the action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYG4Xtl3Soo

[jimrooney]

Looks like you're ok... I assume so?

So what happened?
Looks like you're either setting up a landing or setting up to ridge soar. You also look pretty deep into the brakes, but not knowing your glider, I can't really tell.

Noise change and rapid decent... some sort of collapse? ... or just sink? (you didn't stall it right?) I ask simply because your heading doesn't seem to change much and I didn't see too much input reaction to the "noise".

Jim

[Spark]

I made my approach unwittingly into the lee of some trees. I was unaware the winds had increase and switched. I wasn't into the brakes much. My intention was to turn right and land on the grass, but the glider didn't respond, the right brake got really mushy and my decent rate increased rapidly. I suspect there was a thermal breaking loose just upwind of me. The real mistake was choosing to land there.

No injuries other than bruises, scrapes and cactus needles.

I fly with thick foam plus an airbag. The airbag has a rip near my neck/shoulders. PG screw ups like this are not usually so forgiving.

[mcelrah]

Glad you are relatively OK! After your and LE's experiences, I am sticking with the big butt harness with airbag that you wisely selected for me and not worrying about lightweight trekking rigs. - Hugh

[jimrooney]

Ah, makes much more sense now.
Glad you're ok

Thanks for posting that.
Jim

[pink_albatross]

nice place to fly!
but gah... not a pretty ending.
glad you're okay.
-- ellis

[theflyingdude]

Good thing you didn't hit that large rock, but you didn't miss it by much. Glad you're OK! One down and eight (or less) to go?