Magics' beach landing

[Magic]

Here’s a story that I hope someone can learn from.

Last weekend I landed myself, and my tandem passenger Dilly, in the ocean, sort of. On Sat. a bunch of us were flying at the Wilcox. It was “on” blowing in between 13 and 16 and fairly straight. Everyone was way high over the trees and in no danger of going to the beach, although there was plenty of beach just in case.

After flying solo for over 2 hours (Dilly was also flying solo) I landed and just watched, and spotted for other pilots who were still launching and flying. After about ½ hour I asked Dilly if she would like to fly tandem. She said yes so I went to the car to get my gear. When I got back I could see a wing in the air and 2 others had just top landed. I asked someone if it was still “on”, and they said it was a little cross but still good.

I set up, did our preflight and launched. We were immediately sinking! I slowed the glider and as I checked the beach landing option I saw that there was virtually no beach to land on. I concentrated on getting as far towards the creek as I could but we had nothing but sink. I steered the glider around the corner and landed it as close to the cliff as possible. We landed in ankle deep water. I was able to stack the glider on the base of the cliff. I unhooked Dilly and myself and we began trying to gather the glider but the waves were filling it with water, thanks to the ridgifiols in the leading edge.

We were safe but the glider was in danger of getting sucked out to sea. After a few minutes of fighting a losing battle we saw Justin running down the beach towards us to help. He was the other wing I saw in the air before I launched. He had also sank out but landed on dry sand. When Justin arrived we were able to roll the glider up out of the waves and drain most of the water out. Then we stuffed it into the backpack and Justin hoisted it onto his back like a dive bag! Then he carried it up the beach to the grass area where our friends helped us to get back to our car and later to wash out the glider. I cannot tell you what a Herculean effort that was. When Bo and I lifter the wet glider bag into his truck we could not believe how heavy it was. It must have weighed at least 150 lbs. I would like to thank everyone who helped us, Marge, Dave, Bob, Bo, and especially Justin. When Bob checked the tide it was still rising for another hour and would reach 6.7 feet ABOVE SEA LEVEL!

So PLEASE learn from my mistake!!!
1. Always check the beach landing option before each launch and know what the tide is doing. I had a tide chart on my iphone and I did not check it. I usually do. The tide came in really fast and was way above normal.
2. Always kite for minute before launching and make sure you feel it lifting you before you launch, even on a tandem. Then, hopefully the beach option won’t be needed.
3. Always carry a hook knife with you. I had it out and was ready to use it. Don’t land safely and then drown trying to save your gear. Let it go.

Thanks again to Marge, Dave and Dilly who helped me hang that big wing from 2 balconies and wash it out. It took us till 11 P.M., but that’s another story. Another huge thanks to Justin who saved the wing! Thanks also to S.A. who led by example when he once made a big mistake and used it as a teaching opportunity.

Best regards to all,

Magic

[DBLD]

Magic,
Thank you for the post and lessons. The beach thing is something that I for one always try to be aware of because I have ended up there many times. The point about the ocean being a MASSIVE force is a good one! Even ankle deep water with tiny waves can be very unforgiving. Glad it all turnded out good in the end. Sounds like a good campfire story!

I flew Oat this weekend with Megaman and had my own demons to deal with on Saturday with low cloudbase, cloudsuck, and no compass. All turned out OK, but I had to search for sink. Oat ROCKS and is a great place to fly, but it can be a bit on the turb side at places. Good place to work on your "bump tolerance" and top landings.

dd

[Marty DeVietti]

Thanks for the post, Magic. This kind of story is far more helpful on the forum right after it happens (like you just did) than sitting around a campfire with just a few friends years later when the embarrassment finally wears off. It takes a brave and honest person to just hang it out there for everyone to see. Good on ya!

Glad everyone was safe, and that your priorities were right in getting unhooked first and then to rescue glider later. Nice job stacking the wing towards the shore. It certainly could have gone poorly if you hadn't kept your cool and flown it all the way to the ground like that. You took lemons and made lemonade. Bravo!

[pengoquin]

Mike had the wing out at the Hill this afternoon and it looked maaarvoolous! Clean, like it just came out of the bag when new.

[irene]

Thanks for your post Magic. It is very useful, because we all know that you are a great safe pilot, and it shows how much all of us make mistakes all the time.
I am so glad you are safe.

[richlear]

Thanks for sharing Mike - Regards to you & Dilly from sunny Scotland

cheers

rich