NZHPA Safety taskforce summary - #2 LAUNCH

More from the NZHPA findings

#2 LAUNCH

Launch and take-off run related incidents made up 28% of all incidents for 2020. Launching is the second most common phase of flight where incidents are reported and where injuries are typically most severe. As such, resolving issues at launch is likely to lead to a reduction of both incidents/accidents and significant injury. 

Reporting in the AIRs database included comments such as: 
 
“Despite a number of factors including deteriorating conditions, time pressure, intense fatigue and stress I chose to continue the launch.” 
 
“A combination of reasons for decision - wanting to get off launch before getting turned off, especially with extra personal pressure/desire to fly a new wing.” 
 
Time of the day when the wind was changing direction, with apparently some sinky air around launch site starting to happen.”
 
“Hit some sink after launching, harness hit the ground…” 

Contributors to take-off incidents 

Comment suggests ground handling practice would’ve helped prevent the accident - 82% 

Not enough lift or not loaded wing, reconnected with ground - 29% 

Directional control -21% 

Comment suggests wind a major contributing factor -18%

Asymmetric Collapse -11% 

Knot in lines -4%

Twist (either from incorrect turn direction or set-up) -7% 

Other launch related contributing factors in this phase included: 

- Misjudgement of weather/cycles 
- Inadequate or omitted pre-flight checks or poor preparation on launch (e.g. knots, sticks, crossed lines, twisted risers; leg straps undone, facing wrong direction, harness loose) 
- Poor launch selection 
- Distraction, for example, by unfamiliar gear, other people and anxiety etc 
- Dropping a wing due to high angle of attack on hang gliders.

An analysis shows that the majority are closely related to poor wing-control and ground handling. In some instances, pilots appeared to have been aware of their shortcomings, and have noted that better ground handling skills would have prevented the incidents. In other cases, reporting pilots seem oblivious that ground handling, wing control, more deliberate situation awareness, and adequate pre-flight checks - things within their control - could have helped prevent the incident, instead typically reporting external causes (such as “sudden changes in conditions” or “unexpected rotor”).

Recommendations 

- Undertake regular ground handling practice as it contributes significantly to safe launching.
- Understand that the decision to commit to launch is an important part of flying safety.

- Run a thorough checklist before launching taking weather, gear and personal condition into account, and form a launch plan which includes contingencies and a “margin for error”