On Sunday 8 May 1988, about I. 15 pm, a hang glider was launched from the fixed ramp at Mt Blackheath. After flying for about 10 minutes, it was struck by a violent thermal lift, causing it to lose control and altitude. The glider was smashed sideways against the cliff face. It ended up crushed between a rock crevice and the limb of a tree 50 metres below the launching ramp.
The pilot (John Joseph, 26, of Nenagh Street, North Manly) was pinned in the harness, which was suspended in mid-air beneath the kite. Luckily he only suffered minor injuries and the kite was firmly wedged between a rock crevice and a limb of a tree jutting out from rocks. “His associates managed to climb to a rock jutment 30 metres above him and join several ropes together, which they lowered down to him. Mr Joseph secured them to his kite to prevent him falling 200 metres to the floor of the valley.
Members of the Katoomba Police Rescue Squad comprising Sergeants P. Tunchon and C. Hiley, Constables First Class W. Pearce, V. Hurley, G. Chapman and ambulancemen M. Walters, S. Hodge and D. Sothers, responded to the emergency alarm. They were joined by personnel from the Blackheath Bush Fire Brigade led by Captain Jim Crowther. The group combined in a hazardous abseiling rescue operation down the sheer cliff face to reach the incapacitated glider.
After rendering first aid to Mr Joseph, the men secured him to a chest and sitting harness. He was then cut free from his entangled kite. The rescuers, working with the assistance of a lashing and snatch block, were able to haul Mr Joseph up to the launching ramp. He was treated by ambulancemen at the top of the mountain and returned to his home with his flying companions. The police then salvaged Mr Joseph’s extensively damaged glider from the side of the cliff. “
Source: Blue Mountains Gazette, 11 May 1988