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Skydive Chicago -- Man sues over propeller injuries -- Press Clips

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Well then I stand corrected, my memory must be failing.

The "real facts of the incident" have not been made public, and as I quite clearly said, I wasn't there and am completely going on heresay.

If you have a more accurate story, perhaps you'd like to fill us in? It was my understanding that Julie was struck after exiting the rear door, but Robert was struck after exiting the side door.

You know full well a prop turns silently at the end of the shut down sequence. I understood it was at this time Robert was struck.

Again, I wasn't there, and am only going on what I was told. But then again, I supose this is true of you, too.

_Am
__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

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You're right. It's hearsay. But the way you posted it you certainly made it sound as fact with your "what the paper didn't tell you is..." statement. Pretty inflamatory isn't it?

No, the prop isn't silent. You can hear a winding down sound as the T-wheels wind down. Plus there's that whole "whooshing" sound as each blade goes by. And since it is winding down you can actually see each blade as it goes by instead of the "invisible" arc it normally makes.

I'm not saying if anyone was right or wrong. I'm just stating the facts as I know them. The guy exited from the main door in the rear. He went forward and was struck by the prop. I saw him laying on the ground on the left side of the aircraft as the emergency crews worked on him. This was all from a distance of about 200 yards.

Chris Schindler

edited to add: And I just re-read your original post where you claim the guy got out the right door and no where does it state that you weren't there and were going on hearsay. Only in a later post do you state that.

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You're right. It's hearsay. But the way you posted it you certainly made it sound as fact with your "what the paper didn't tell you is..." statement. Pretty inflamatory isn't it?

No, the prop isn't silent. You can hear a winding down sound as the T-wheels wind down. Plus there's that whole "whooshing" sound as each blade goes by. And since it is winding down you can actually see each blade as it goes by instead of the "invisible" arc it normally makes.

I'm not saying if anyone was right or wrong. I'm just stating the facts as I know them. The guy exited from the main door in the rear. He went forward and was struck by the prop. I saw him laying on the ground on the left side of the aircraft as the emergency crews worked on him. This was all from a distance of about 200 yards.

Chris Schindler

edited to add: And I just re-read your original post where you claim the guy got out the right door and no where does it state that you weren't there and were going on hearsay. Only in a later post do you state that.



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Finally, we get facts from a first-hand observer.

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Once the engine stops, the blades DO keep spinning... something to do with inertia. The guy was dumb, that I will not deny. Isn't there a statute of limitations to being stupid. I mean really, I once received an electric shock in the fourth grade. Do I have a case?
"Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what seperates us from the animals... except the weasel."
- Homer Simpson

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There's a certain weight restriction that establishes who flies right-seat. I know that at any DZ that flies a CASA, there's always a co-pilot, which is required by some FAR because the aircraft has a gross weight of X pounds. It's not a choice made by the airlines, it's made by the FAA.
"Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what seperates us from the animals... except the weasel."
- Homer Simpson

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Dang, It really bothers me when i hear about people walking into propellers. It happens occasionally, i know, but it just blows my mind.

How could someone not know that there is a propeller there?? I know they are hard to see when spinning, but for heaven's sake, these people should be weeded out of the gene pool.
If the dude was exiting after an observer ride, he approached the propeller from behind. Didn't the prop blast or exhaust or presence of an engine tune him in.

some people, i swear............

sds
=========Shaun ==========


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If the dude was exiting after an observer ride, he approached the propeller from behind. Didn't the prop blast or exhaust or presence of an engine tune him in.



I believe he got out the right door which is in front of the prop. (?)

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How could someone not know that there is a propeller there?? I know they are hard to see when spinning, but for heaven's sake, these people should be weeded out of the gene pool.



Complacency. People get used to planes and propellers and forget how dangerous they are.

I have a friend who is still recovering as a result of a prop strike. Yes, she knew better and was hurrying. However, I am glad it was not fatal and that she is still "part of the gene pool".

Sometimes people who are skydiving will lose altitude awareness and their Cypres fires. The mechanical device saved their lives. I'm happy about that too.

As far as your definition of the "weeding" process, I guess I'm a little more forgiving.

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It is ignorant to think this could not happen to any skydiver walking around on the ramp. What there are no "stats" on are the "near miss" incidents... the heart stopping- pilot shitting themselves- "oh my god..." incidents that happen all over the country every year. Skydivers and ramp crew think they are not at risk- they think the "loader" is unnecessary or is a convenience. How many camera men have you seen strolling around the ramp for the cool and groovey shot...walking backwards... or the kids of some jumper playing ball on the ramp??? Ya, they grew up on the dz...and it is not a busy airport but if their dog ran out to the plane or their hat blew off they would chase it- right into the prop! Or the jumper that runs from the parking lot to make the load.
Don't be prop bait- stay out of the operations area. It doesnt matter who you are or how long you have been jumping- YOU DON'T BELONG THERE!
We don't give observer rides but if a student or anyone lands in the plane they do not get out until the pilot has completely shut down- if it is not a shutdown they do not get out until the "loader" brings the step and escorts them.
If the dz hot fuels- NEVER approach the fueler. I've seen this happen with very experienced jumper.... the fueler is inches away from a spinning prop -he does not need the distraction of worrying about you hitting the prop. Do not approach the pilot window to tell him where you want the spot. All of these are completely unnecessary risk that are unacceptable and are commited by some of the most experience people on the DZ... because they think they know how to "do it safely"
Don't say "that is the stupidest thing I have every heard- Even in my limited experience working on a DZ for about 12 years and have not worked on the busiest or the most active places and I have seen all of these things happen. I am just fortunate to to not see an actual accident. We preach constantly about the dangers.. and have a loader and a fueler and steps with a safety guide attached...and we still have people try their hardest to get around it...

Sorry for the rant- it's a pet peeve of a frequent loader/plug puller...ramp police...
"If you're not on the centerline -you're out of control"

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For some reason, all I can think of with this is was he wearing a rig? Aren't all passengers supposed to wear a rig? If he had a rig, then did he have any FJC stuff? If he had FJC, wouldn't propeller strikes/propeller awareness be included in that?

I know, stupid questions...but does anyone know?

Ciels-
Michele


~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

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For some reason, all I can think of with this is was he wearing a rig? Aren't all passengers supposed to wear a rig? If he had a rig, then did he have any FJC stuff? If he had FJC, wouldn't propeller strikes/propeller awareness be included in that?

I know, stupid questions...but does anyone know?

Ciels-
Michele



He was not required to wear an emergency bailout rig because he was riding right seat. Only persons in the cabin or are required by the specific paperwork to fly with the door removed must wear an emergency bailout rig. Pilots in a 182 must wear a baleout rig. Pilots in some Caravans are required and some are not. Otter pilots are not required.
Chris Schindler
www.diverdriver.com
ATP/D-19012
FB #4125

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