from what i hear it was a hop and pop, he had line twist and cut away very low. i am not sure if the reserve was pulled, or if it had enough time to open.
It likely did not matter. Experience has shown that cutaways from below about 1200 feet will not give AAD's enough time/airspeed to fire. An RSL can make the difference in such situations.
It likely did not matter. Experience has shown that cutaways from below about 1200 feet will not give AAD's enough time/airspeed to fire. An RSL can make the difference in such situations.
Makes a lot of sense. It seems he was jumping a new rig with a new sabre 2 in it going on FB profile (pics from mid december 2012)
TSE Superfly's do use a Stevenson Lanyard. Attached is a diagram from the superfly user manual showing the installation.
I should have said they don't come with an RSL as standard. And the one in the picture above doesn't have one. TSE can add one, but it's a gnarly looking setup... (superb rigs though. I've had two. Neither had an RSL)
I can see that his rig has a D-ring reserve handle, very easy to grab and pull, as opposed to the soft handles. Do you think he "free fell to get stable" after cutting away? Or had trouble finding the handle?
With 100 jumps under his belt, he may not have ever had a cutaway before. Does anyone know how he was trained?
We train "find both handles, grab both handles, arch, cutaway, pull reserve". Many places train "two hands, cutaway, find reserve, two hands, pull reserve." We all know that when you cutaway and drop back into freefall, it can get weird. Already having a good grip on your reserve handle can be a real lifesaver.
Once again, an RSL could have saved a life. I wish more people would consider using them.
My condolences to friends and family left behind.
(This post was edited by JohnMitchell on Jan 13, 2013, 8:57 AM)
TSE Superfly's do use a Stevenson Lanyard. Attached is a diagram from the superfly user manual showing the installation.
The photo posted of the jumper seems to indicate that there is no rsl on his rig.
My Condolances,...
Ditto the very sad pictures,...There is plainly visable the RSL tab from his student AFF pictures, however can someone find a recent picture proving yes/no?? C
I just think we have more to come from this sad tale. Even if he did cut away around 1000ft and had no RSL he still should have had a reserve above his head in time. I think the comment trying to get stable before pulling his reserve may be a big factor here. Also what about a canopy transfer, risky i appreciate but at super low level its a good option...if you know what you are doing.
Think he is referring to opening reserve under malfunctioning main. Then cutting away main after (or landing both), generally most think it's a bad idea. But could save you in worst case situation.
Condolences to all involved.
(This post was edited by splat123 on Jan 15, 2013, 7:28 AM)