2nd Paraglider Accident In A Month

[Grahame Hutchison]

It was less than 3 weeks ago on the 9th December 2008 that a paraglider collided with the cliff face at south Mona Vale headland. Today around noon, the sound of sirens and helicopters alerted me to another paraglider accident less than 100 metres from the first.

NSW Ambulance Service Bell 412EP VH-EPH attended, along with ground Police, Ambulance and Fire services. EPH had a quick look at the scene from the ocean side and then decided to land on the headland. The crew joined the other emergency services already in attendance, and located just in front of one of the houses and above the paraglider.

I spoke to the police officer waiting with EPH, and it appears that the paragliders injuries were minor, the trickier part was bring him safely back to the top or bottom of the cliff face.

I thought I would take the opportunity to have a close up look at EPH.

Police, ambulance and Fire service crew on the cliff top above the paraglider. EPH landed on the cliff top about 100 metres to the right.


A wider view of the accident scene.


Bell 412EP VH-EPH on the cliff top.


The Bell 412EP is a large, powerful and well equiped machine (VH-EPH was manufactured in 2006).


On the forward belly of EPH is a powerful search light, two landing lights several aerials, strobe, and the guide and blade for the
powerline/wire cutter.


The main winch unit is mounted above the starboard main door.


The Jet A-1 refuling point is on the starboard side at the rear of the cabin.


Each of the landing skids has a rubber mat attached attached to the rear of the skid, presumably for stability on soft ground.


The two massive exhausts pointing slightly upwards, and a couple of gauges can be seen through a small instection hole in the vented
panel.


The view from the tail of the Bell 412EP.

[David C]

Great shots Grahame .. It's quite relief to read that the injuries sustained were minor .. Lucky day for them !! . Interestingly , the "rubber mats " fixed to the helo skids are infact a legacy of the helicopters former life in Canada . They are what can be described as "snow shoes " , and would have been handy in their previous life in colder climes ..

Dave C