What's the difference between an accident and an incident?

ACCIDENT
In relation to a hang glider / paraglider, means an occurrence associated with the operation of the aircraft which takes place between the time any person “clips in” to the aircraft with the intention to fly until such time as the persons have “unclipped” in which;

• Any person suffers DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY as a result of being in the aircraft, or anything attached to the aircraft;
• The main aircraft components (excluding minor Down tubes damage) incur damage or structural failure that adversely affects the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics and would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component; or
• Any sail tear greater than 15cm (6”) in length
• The aircraft is missing or inaccessible.
• Involves any passenger, crew or ground personnel during flight proceedings.

SERIOUS INJURY
Is defined as any injury, other than fatal which:

• Requires hospitalisation or medical treatment at any time from injuries received; or
• Results in the fracture of any bone except simple fractures of fingers or toes.
• Involves lacerations which cause severe hemorrhage, nerve, muscle or tendon damage; or
• Involves injury to any internal organ; or
• Involves second or third degree burns, or any burns affecting more than five percent of body surface.

INCIDENT
In relation to a hang glider or paraglider:

• Means an occurrence, other than an accident, associated with the operation of the aircraft, including set-up and pack-up periods, that could affect the safety of the operation of the aircraft, safety of other aircraft or of spectators or other people on the ground.
• A near miss in flight, or a mid air collision where no damage or injury resulted,
• A reserve parachute deployment, intentional or accidental, regardless of injury or glider damage, that causes minor injuries not requiring medical treatment to the pilot or ground personne, or;
• Causes minor aircraft damage such as minor tears to the sail (less than 15cm / 6” in length) or Control Bar, Base Tube or A,B,C & Brake Lines; or minor Harness damage only.
• Which provides information relative to the interest of the flying community.

The following are provided as some examples of reportable incidents:

• Glider blown over on ground into other glider or vehicle causing damage.
• Any occurrence that may easily have resulted in serious injury where the circumstance, if known about or pre-warned, could help avoid similar potential accident from happening.
• Any structural failure or damage on a glider resulting from set-up or pack up procedures, or component defect noticed before or after flight but not resulting in an accident.