Steve McCarthy <<email>> writes:

As the pilot of the tow plane that towed Nick into the dusty/grass devil I had less than two seconds from seeing the severity of this wind to take decisive action. I decided that it was best to hit the dusty square on rather than risk having a glider on tow turning on entry. Nick agreed that this was the correct decision.

As for what happened after the guys got kicked of line it is hard to say just what action was possible for Nick and Trent to take. It is easy to say they should have flown out the back and landed up wind but I can tell you that I had to wrestle the tug to get away from this mass of intense swirling air.

In something as light as a hang glider you would have been thrown around to the point that maintaining any degree of control would take a huge effort and in the end when it really matters Trent did the best he could do. With a huge tail wind and a massive sink rate he continued to fly the glider, maintaining as much speed and control as possible all the way into ground effect hitting the ground as flat as possible. By following this rule of regardless of what happens, RULE 1 fly the glider, has undoubtedly saved his life.

Trent and Nick put in a great effort in a very difficult situation and I am very relieved to have both Nick and Trent still with us.