Speedflying accidents and flying guidelines in Oludeniz
Oct-Nov '22
Oludeniz is well known paragliding destination in Turkey. You have several take-offs at 1200, 1700, 1800, 1900 m.s.l. facing different directions, variety of flying lines, good weather, huge part of the beach for landing, cable car access. All of the take-offs are flyable with high-performance speedwings, but require understanding of local specifics. Every year more and more speedflyers of every skill level come here for vacation and practicing. But it inevitably leads to a number of accidents.
Plus every October there is a festival called Oludeniz Air Games, which attracts a lot of athletes in variety of disciplines from around the globe. In 2022 there were probably around 50-60 speedflyers. Which makes it harder to keep focus on safety.
Anyone considering flying in Oludeniz - please join the local speedflying chat
There was crazy number of accidents and close calls in October-November in Oludeniz: 2 fatalities, 1 broken back and leg, broken tailbone, twisted finger, hurted ankle and number of scratches and wounds. Most of this cases you can see in video below.
Here is the list with dates and general descriptions:
07.10 Fatality. While flying over the plateau, pilot twisted to look backwards, the wing started to spiral, and he impacted. The rescue team got to him in about 1.5 hours. He was found dead on the mountain before they arrived. Accident report in SFFL facebook page (for speedflyers only).
12.10 Unintentional proximity flying under powerlines and cablecar as result of lack information about possibility to reach LZ (R2 11).
12.10 Pilot (R3 13) hit the sand with airbag on recovery arc. Twisted ankle.
13.10 Tension knot (R3 13) while launching from 1800 take-off, wing collapsed, pilot crashed on the rocky slope after the road. Broken ankle and one vertebra in pieces.
17.10 Close to collision 2-way launch from 1800.
17.10 Low 90-turn. Hard impact with sand beach (Nano4 10.5).
17.10 Fatality. 360 landing from the city side. Caught a tree with a big part of the wing finishing the recovery arc (full speed), impacted the brick embankment with pendulum effect. Died in the hospital. Accident report in SFFL facebook page (for speedflyers only).
20.10 Low 540-turn impacting the water. Pilot (R3 8) was flying Flame a lot before.
20.10 Pilot (R3 13) didn't reach Butterfly Valley (chose wrong take-off). Emergency landing at another beach.
22.10 Pilot (Spitfire 13) caught the tree with the wingtip and lines, crashed to the trees down the slope.
31.10 2 pilots (R3 8 and R2 11) made emergency landing on the plateau. Twisted finger.
01.11 Took off from 1800 with a cravat (R2 11).
03.11 Emergency landing (Spitfire 11) to the trees on the plateau. Broken tailbone.
04.11 Emergency landing on the mountain. Pilot (Speedmaster 12) didn't manage to reach Butterfly Valley.
06.11 Pilot (Speedmaster 12) hit the wooden toilet building on the landing in strong wind conditions.
10.11 Landing at the plateue under 1200 take-off (R3 9).
On October 18th after first number of accidents, initiative group of speedflyers gathered to compose and publish guidelines for flying in Oludeniz. Here it is.
To all of our fellow speed-flying and mini pilots!
Read this before flying at Oludeniz.
There are an alarming number of accidents in our community lately. This is increasing tension between the site administration and speed-flying. In order to protect people and the site, we must follow ALL these rules.
There is a poll below. Please use this to confirm you’ve read it them. Turkish & Russian translations will be provided soon. Let us know if you would like to contribute a translation.
1. Pre Flight, Pre Flight, Pre Flight!
⁃ Check your kit after landing, unpacking, setting up and launching
⁃ At minimum check, leg straps, carabiners, trimmers & lines
⁃ Check both sides of your wing while launching! Feel is not enough!
⁃ Give extra care to the 1800 @ 1900! These are almost cliff launches and have no room for error
⁃ Plan your launch order. We recommend fastest wings first.
⁃ Plan your line and discuss with your party.
⁃ You are always responsible for pilots below you!
⁃ Yell “Takeoff!!” prior to every launch
⁃ If more experienced pilot easily launches in difficult conditions, it doesn't mean they will be easy for you. Know your limits.
⁃ Parallel take offs must be carefully coordinated with the other pilots.
⁃ If launching in the lee, time your cycle and ensure wind indicators match direction.
⁃ If you see a cravat or other issue yell “STOP!” There are many languages spoken in Oludeniz, but this word requires no translation.
⁃ If you are more advanced than other pilots in your party, know that what you say and do influences others decision making.
⁃ Many pilots gather to Oludeniz and the groups can become large. Do not skip the essentials trying to keep up!
⁃ If you want to fly a line with your friends, form smaller groups with similar skills
⁃ New maneuvers should only be practiced above water.
⁃ It only takes 1m of water to help save your life. Take advantage of the luxury this site provides!
⁃ Approach from the sea or sand only.
⁃ Land on the south end of the beach and stay south of the last beach bar. This area is large, use it!
⁃ Land to the North whenever possible. Other directions should be coordinated with fellow pilots.
⁃ Do not land on the boardwalk!!
⁃ Do not swoop the trees or buildings!!
⁃ Be aware of tourists and other pilots at all times!
⁃ Don’t fly at 100%! Save 5% for your ass.
⁃ You are not immune! If you’re traveling abroad get insured! Make sure your policy covers paragliding, medical and repatriation.
⁃ Stay hydrated! If you’re all setup and realize you’re thirsty. Take the time to pause a rehydrate.
⁃ Use layers! Temperatures from the summit and beach typically vary widely.
⁃ Stretch before (and after) flying! Especially your legs.
⁃ Remember to rest & eat when needed! Fatigue can be your downfall.
⁃ Keep your phone in easy to reach pocket when flying (not in your backpack).
⁃ Always let others know you’re flying. Share live location if needed.
I wanna add some points from myself:
- Don't let others' approach to safety or their way to fly their small wings affect your own limits, progression and decision making. Complacency is a bitch.
- Terrain of the Babadag mountain is not evenly steep. There are dead zones over plateau which you won't be able to fly out from. In 3 weeks there were 6 accidents with emergency landings.
- Explore the lines and go lower step by step. If pilot in front of you is doing 360 to terrain that might not work for you.
- Try to stick to the tops of the small ridges not couloirs while crossing the plateau.
- Consider the strength of the headwind.
- Be very cautious launching to the North side of the mountain (1800, 1900 take-offs). Don't do this in strong winds as it leads to high turbulence after crossing the ridge. With NOT high-performance wings which glide worse you may struggle to cross the ridge even in good conditions.
Please don't hesitate to share this article with fellow pilots who might benefit from it. Feel free to ask any questions considering flying in Oludeniz in our telegram chat. Know your limits and fly safe!