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Skydiving Fatalities: 2004: North America: Hard landing under a slow turning main canopy

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Hard landing under a slow turning main canopy

	Location		Jump Information
Date:	2004-06-27	Category:	Other
Country:	United States	Factors:
State:	New Mexico	Jump Type:	AFF
Drop Zone:	Skydive New Mexico
	Gear		Personal Information
Container:		Sex:	Male
Main:		Age:	68
Reserve:		Jumps:
AAD:		Years in Sport:	40+
RSL:		Name:	Harvey Buskirk
Description
The jumper was seen in a a slow counterclockwise turn after opening. He was limp and unmoving with his head slightly back and also he had about 2 line twists probably causing the turn ( the slider was down to the twists and the canopy was otherwise fully inflated). This turn continued for 2000 ft until he impacted the ground. The eye-witness never saw his arms or hands attempt to engage the toggles or any movement whatsoever from his body. There is a possibility that he might have had a heart attack or other medical problem right after deployment and very well might have been unconscious or dead prior to impact. A jumper who landed about 50 ft. away and saw that he wasn't breathing and no signs of life. His toggles were completely stowed. A Medical Investigator and a FAA representatives were onsite and the exact cause of death still needs to be established.
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