The Pre-worlds accident report has been published (also published on the OzReport). As you know, I stopped flying that competition after 2 tasks because I thought it was too risky. The reports mentions
Winds were shifty, and landing zones small and scarce.
Sounds like a fun place for competition flying! The report continues:
as was expected, several bad landings happened. Broken down bars, for instance, were in the 2 digit mark, but this is only speculation.
Nice to know it was expected. Then a summary of the accidents is presented. There is no evaluation in the report on whether those pilots were rather lucky or unlucky with the outcome of their incident. But I personally think we were rather lucky nothing worse happened during that week. The report also does not mention Christian's accident who crashed his glider at elevated speed on final glide (landing at an estimated 2700 m). Christian tore or damaged a tendon and was not able to continu.
Out of 75 pilots initially competing, at least 5 stopped flying due to injury. For each of the last 3 days out of the 7 day comp, more than 20 pilots did not fly. Is this really what we want for competition flying?
Valle de Bravo presents an environment demanding of the highest skill level. Reason for which - we consider, the competition was very first rate and extremely technical.
Is this what makes a comp first rate? I'd suggest the FAI thinks about our sport. Organising a Worlds has become too expensive and too time consuming, we're only an amateur sport. As a result there are few or no bids. Which results in places like Valle de Bravo (whilst very well suited for free flying during the right time of year) now being selected for our Worlds. Well, may the bravest win, I will not take part.
By now, the European comp season is heating up again and Jamie's organising the Flytec Americus Cup in Georgia, US. I wish you all the best of flying!
