Thread: Water Landings
View Single Post
  #2  
Old June 26th 08, 02:13 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
RL
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 66
Default Water Landings

On Jun 25, 1:13*pm, Jim White wrote:
Best to try to avoid, but MUCH better than trees.
Admiral Nixon


Are you sure? The upper branches of trees seem to provide quite a soft
'landing'. Afraid to report my club has nested at least two gliders with
all occupants walking away (after being 'rescued' by the fire service).

jim


Given the record of tree landings vs. water landings the Admiral is no
doubt correct. Tree landings have a history of injuries, fatalities,
and serious damage to the glider. I’ve never heard of an injury in a
water landing, and in most cases there has been no damage to the
glider (except wet electronics). Given the choice between trees and
water, getting wet appears to be far safer for both man and machine.

Bob