Former Albury pilot Steve O'Donnell returned to Benalla on Monday afternoon after escaping largely unharmed from a mid-air collision on Saturday.
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The now Queensland-based pilot collided with a German competitor over Yerong Creek during the World Gliding Championships, based in Benalla. Both pilots ejected from their aircraft and parachuted to safety after colliding at roughly 5000 feet.
Mr O'Donnell, who left the Border more than a decade ago, suffered a minor back injury upon landing, while the German pilot was treated for a fractured ankle.
But with fears of any serious injuries allayed, the rest of the Australian team were happy to smile about their compatriot's lucky escape.
We've joked that Steve has ticked off parachuting from his bucket list...it lifted our spirits that he was OK.
- Australian team manager Mandy Temple
Australian team manager Mandy Temple said the team was glad Mr O'Donnell was in good spirits and able to return to Benalla.
“Everything worked as it should during that incident, pilots carry parachutes for a reason,” she said.
“It's very unusual for this sort of thing to happen.
“We're just glad Steve is OK, we knew he'd ejected from the glider, but once he'd parachuted to the ground there was about half an hour where we weren't sure if he was all right.”
Despite the concern, Mrs Temple said there had been some good-natured ribbing since Mr O'Donnell made contact with the team on Saturday.
“There's been a few jokes that he's ticked parachuting off his bucket list,” she said.
“Steve had mentioned a few times that he'd wanted to do that and fly a helicopter.
“It really lifted the team's spirits on Saturday afternoon when he was able to get in touch with us.”
Jokes aside, Mrs Temple said the incident had been a bit of a reality check for all at championship headquarters at the Benalla airport.
“It really is a reality check when something like this happens,” she said.
“We do this for fun, but when something serious like this happens it’s a good reminder that there are risks involved.
“When all the gliders arrived in Benalla they had to show that they were licensed and had their aircraft registered.
“Pilots have to demonstrate that they know all the proper evacuation procedures. It’s quite a comprehensive process.”
Just four days remain in the World Gliding Championships.
“The team has had a couple of really good results in the last few days,” Mrs Temple said.
“We're getting better as the competition goes on.”