Steep turnback fatal for ultralight

[pelmet]

http://www.bst-tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-r ... q0073.html

Any ultralight guys here. Perhaps they are more concerned about landing straight ahead into the trees as there is less facial protection from branches.

[AirFrame]

Any ultralight guys here. Perhaps they are more concerned about landing straight ahead into the trees as there is less facial protection from branches.

The average density of trees is still lower than the average density of dirt. Both may be higher than the average density of an ultralight pilot, but the trees would likely cause less damage.

[pelmet]

Any ultralight guys here. Perhaps they are more concerned about landing straight ahead into the trees as there is less facial protection from branches.

The average density of trees is still lower than the average density of dirt. Both may be higher than the average density of an ultralight pilot, but the trees would likely cause less damage.

Not if a proper flare and landing can be accomplished on the dirt.

[RedAndWhiteBaron]

Not that I wish to lay blame, but this was an unqualified, inexperienced instructor, teaching a student pilot, who attempted what appears to have been a 180 degree turn and return, likely less than 200 or 300 feet AGL. It appears to me that without enough airspeed, they stalled in a steep bank, and without enough altitude, they crashed. (Someone training at my soaring club cartwheeled a 2-33, after a rope break at 300' AGL, doing exactly this. It happens.)

Tragic for sure, but likely entirely survivable. May they rest in peace.

[AirFrame]

Not if a proper flare and landing can be accomplished on the dirt.

Agreed. But this was about a high-energy unplanned arrival, not a controlled landing.

[pelmet]

Not if a proper flare and landing can be accomplished on the dirt.

Agreed. But this was about a high-energy unplanned arrival, not a controlled landing.

Thanks,

Do you fly these sort of ultralights. I was just wondering if pilots in that community in general have a particular aversion to considering a potential somewhat(hopefully) soft landing in trees.