Worst Case Scenario Paragliding

Zak Morris
Jun 2
2 min read

Updated: Jun 3

🪂 Key Takeaways: Reserve Deployment on a CCC Wing

Flying high-performance gliders demands precision, fast reactions, and a deep understanding of collapse dynamics. This incident analysis offers critical insights into reserve deployment, down-planing, and how quickly things can go wrong — even for skilled pilots on advanced wings.

🔍 What Happened

A pilot flying a CCC-class glider (777 Gambit, aspect ratio 8.0) suffered a frontal collapse, resulting in severe line twists and autorotation.
The pilot deployed his reserve parachute promptly, which opened cleanly.
The glider remained active and twisted, leading to a down-planing configuration.
The pilot landed in vegetation, avoiding more serious injuries that could’ve occurred on rocks.

🔑 What You Need to Know

1. High-Performance Wings Require Fast Reactions

On CCC wings, collapses escalate quickly — passive recovery (“hands up”) won’t work like it might on lower-class gliders.
Active input is critical immediately after a collapse to avoid line twists and loss of control.

2. Line Twists = Time to Throw

Severe line twists on a high-aspect wing like the Gambit are usually unrecoverable.
Don’t wait too long — reserve deployment should be fast and decisive.

3. Manage Down-Planing After the Throw

After reserve deployment, the glider must be neutralized to avoid it pulling against the reserve.
Techniques include:
- Climbing the risers or lines to collapse the glider.
- Pulling one brake to destabilize or stall it.
- Wearing gloves is essential to do this safely.

4. Landing Technique Still Matters

Even under reserve, a PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) can make a big difference.
Vegetation helped in this case — rocky terrain would’ve likely resulted in injury.

5. Mindset: Are You Flying the Right Wing?

The pilot put the glider up for sale after the incident — a sobering reminder to match your wing to your current skill and stress threshold, not just your aspirations.

✅ Lessons for Every Pilot

Know your wing. High-performance designs require advanced collapse management skills.
Train reserve deployments and practice climbing risers in SIV or ground school.
Recognize hesitation. If you freeze during an incident, that’s valuable feedback — refine your reactions with simulation and training.
Fly within your margin. Progression is good, but your gear should build confidence, not fear.

💡 From Para Clinics Aotearoa:

Flying high-performance gliders without high-performance skills is a risk, not a flex.We train pilots to respond, not react — with the confidence to manage emergencies and fly with clarity.

Want to build solid emergency skills and judgment? Join Para Clinics Aotearoa and train in real scenarios with expert guidance.