ANOTHER MEGA CRAVAT! Do you know how to handle it?

Zak Morris
Jun 2
2 min read

Updated: Jun 3

This in-depth incident analysis offers critical lessons for pilots at every level — especially those flying high-performance EN-B wings in active conditions. It highlights the importance of decisive action, proper technique, and preparation for worst-case scenarios.

🔍 What Happened

A pilot flying a modern EN-B (Ozone Rush) glider over flat farmland on a thermic day suffered a major collapse with a cravat, leading to uncontrolled autorotation and an unintentional SAT spin.
The pilot deployed his reserve promptly, which opened cleanly. He performed a proper PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) and walked away uninjured.

🔑 What You Need to Know

1. Cravats Are Dangerous – Know When to Throw

If a cravat causes rotation and you can’t recover it fast, deploy your reserve immediately.
Don’t waste altitude trying to fix it if you’re unsure or haven’t trained for tail slides or stalls.

2. Brake Input Matters

The pilot’s lack of corrective brake input caused the glider to spin into an autorotation/SAT.
Applying opposite brake pressure may stop the spin — even if it means stalling the glider.

3. After the Throw: Manage the Main Wing

Reel in the glider using A-lines or brake lines to prevent downplaning — where the main wing and reserve fight each other.
Gloves are essential for gripping lines under load without injury.

4. Understand Downplaning Risks

Downplaning can double your sink rate, increasing impact force dramatically.
Minimise it by disabling or neutralising the main wing after reserve deployment.

5. PLF Saves Bones

A well-executed Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) reduces injury in hard landings.Practice the motion: ankles and knees together, arms in, roll with impact.

✅ Lessons for Every Pilot

Be ready to throw — don’t hesitate when you lose control at altitude.
Train for collapse management, cravat recovery, and emergency procedures.
Use gloves and know how to disable your wing post-deployment.
Practice PLFs. One day it could save your back (literally).

💡 From Para Clinics Aotearoa:

Emergencies aren’t the time to figure it out — train, simulate, and be ready. Learn collapse handling, cravat drills, and reserve deployment strategies in a supportive, coached environment.

Want to deepen your emergency skills and confidence?Join Para Clinics Aotearoa and prepare for the moments that matter most.