TANDEM INSTRUCTOR FORGETS TO CONNECT UPPERS..

[superdavejohnsn 0]

https://youtu.be/jUTMAbMBtTU

[JerryBaumchen 1,233]

5 hours ago, superdavejohnsn said:

https://youtu.be/jUTMAbMBtTU

Hi super,

That same error caused the very first tandem fatality.

Jerry Baumchen

[timski 80]

In the video comments, he stated that the TI was on the first load the next day. Hmmm. Lovely. 

[riggerrob 598]

This is a very old video.

It looks like the harness/container is a Vector II and Vector II production stopped around the turn of the century ... when RWS/UPT introduced the Sigma tandem system.

My last jump on a Vector II was before COVID (circa 2018) and that was one of the last Vector IIs still working in Canada.

[riggerrob 598]

On 7/15/2023 at 10:22 PM, JerryBaumchen said:

Hi super,

That same error caused the very first tandem fatality.

Jerry Baumchen

They died because the TI wasted too much altitude trying to attach the shoulder hooks.

A few other TIs have made the same mistake BUT they quickly realized the error of their ways and tossed out that giant decellerator ... the main canopy. They landed with their students hanging from the 2500 pound MBS side hooks .... had embarassing conversations with their local TIEs ... did a bit of refresher training and resumed work.

The key take-away is that when you have a problem, often the best solution is deploying your main canopy.

[JerryBaumchen 1,233]

42 minutes ago, riggerrob said:

They died because the TI wasted too much altitude trying to attach the shoulder hooks.

A few other TIs have made the same mistake BUT they quickly realized the error of their ways and tossed out that giant decellerator ... the main canopy. They landed with their students hanging from the 2500 pound MBS side hooks .... had embarassing conversations with their local TIEs ... did a bit of refresher training and resumed work.

The key take-away is that when you have a problem, often the best solution is deploying your main canopy.

Hi Rob,

Yup.

Jerry Baumchen