Summary
The pilot attached his harness hangloops to the retaining strap instead of the keel tube. During a tight turn after takeoff the retaining strap parted due overload and the pilot plummeted onto rocks from approximately 200 feet altitude. The pilotless hang-glider flew into a tree. The retaining strap is a non structural part of the hang-glider designed to stop the hangloops sliding back along the keel tube.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198903860 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 16/11/1989 |
| Location | Rex Lookout 34km North-West of Cairns |
| Report release date | 20/12/1989 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Miscellaneous - Other |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Moyes Delta Gliders Pty Ltd |
|---|---|
| Model | Moyes Mars Hang-glider |
| Registration | N/A |
| Serial number | None |
| Operation type | Sports Aviation |
| Departure point | Rex Lookout, QLD |
| Destination | Wangetti Beach, QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |