AlexDias 0 #1 December 5, 2011 Hey I just read this on 20minutes.ch (swiss free info site): "A skydiver crashes with another skydiver and end up paraplegic" with a video linked... http://www.20min.ch/ro/videotv/?vid=228357&cid=120 So my question is: has any of you ever seen this? Comments? I don't know if i am correct but i think he chops and release reserve while completely entangled with the other guy's main.. could that have been avoided ? Would just like some insight to make sure this doesn't happen again... Poor guy.. blue skies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FanOfFalling 0 #2 December 5, 2011 Protect your handles when getting wrapped, and/or do not chop a parachute and go back into freefall while wearing another jumpers chute. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyjumpenfool 2 #3 December 5, 2011 Razz is a very experienced CRW pilot. He visits here from time to time but can be found more easily on the CRW forum. Hey Jim... what's the story here?Birdshit & Fools Productions "Son, only two things fall from the sky." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pchapman 278 #4 December 5, 2011 The first issue is the collision. Looks like he got in close behind and above his buddy while flying their canopies, while getting video. His buddy hits full brakes and thus very rapidly comes back and up (in relative terms) at the jumper with video. [Edit - added paragraph:] For those who haven't seen the video, the jumper with the video then ends up with a reserve not inflating much due to being choked off by the main canopy jettisoned by the front jumper. Someone would have to examine the video more closely to determine the detailed sequence of events. I can imagine the conversation later: "Why did you hit brakes so suddenly - you came right at me!" "But I thought you said you'd stay clear of me! I didn't see you back there! You should have avoided me." Proximity canopy flight and CRW concepts have to be learned like anything else to avoid danger. The guy in front did a sudden maneuver (likely not realizing where his buddy was), and the guy behind didn't have the experience to anticipate and avoid in time. The second issue is what to do after the collision. I don't know if the jumpers had RSLs, but if they did, they may not have considered disconnection, if they hadn't thought specifically about canopy collision danger. Cutting away when one's body isn't clear of lines is very bad, unless the options are worse. I was going to quote something useful from the SIM -- but what's in there is actually rather unhelpful at first glance. (P.107 of SIM 2012 seems to have the main instructions on what to do after a canopy collision. P. 132 & 133 cover CRW and provide a little more info. RSL's in section 5.3F, p112.) Usually the SIM is pretty detailed and concise in instructions, but I can't find anything that says that it can be dangerous to cutaway if still entangled in a canopy. Yikes. (Anyone else find better instructions in there?) The SIM seems a little muddled in its instructions about what to do in case of a collision. It's a messy topic, but still. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pchapman 278 #5 December 6, 2011 Another site, with links to the original youtube video. http://storyful.com/stories/1000015201 Supposedly happened 4 1/2 yrs ago but video not posted until a day ago. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #6 December 6, 2011 QuoteAnother site, with links to the original youtube video. http://storyful.com/stories/1000015201 Supposedly happened 4 1/2 yrs ago but video not posted until a day ago.the Quad camera flyer mentions that it took him four years to be able to look at the footage.You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 749 #7 December 6, 2011 I would hope we would all fight more than just hold on and ride. I would hope we would try to climb up those risers chasing the problem. Easy to offer armchair advice I realize...but still. Never stop fighting. Never give up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peregrinerose 0 #8 December 6, 2011 How many jumps did the vid guy have? Possible that he was so fixated on getting the video that he didn't respond appropriately when the front guy hit the brakes? Do or do not, there is no try -Yoda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dks13827 3 #9 December 6, 2011 The video looks real...........but why can't we find info re: this incident ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #10 December 6, 2011 QuoteThe video looks real...........but why can't we find info re: this incident ? Not every accident gets reported to anyone. Add in that this might have been a few years ago and it was much worse."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lekstrom10k 0 #11 December 6, 2011 I saw this yesterday.WOW . If you listen at the end for the 911 directions its around Columbus Ohio . Or another Columbus. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnmatrix 21 #12 December 6, 2011 QuoteI would hope we would all fight more than just hold on and ride. I would hope we would try to climb up those risers chasing the problem. . Would someone really be able to climb the suspension lines to try and untangle that? Honest question - what could one really do at that stage? I mean sure, never give up, try and climb the lines by all means, but I don't reckon it could be done. Perhaps with a thicker line type it could be...? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Southern_Man 0 #13 December 6, 2011 Quote I saw this yesterday.WOW . If you listen at the end for the 911 directions its around Columbus Ohio . Or another Columbus. Wisconsin, I believe."What if there were no hypothetical questions?" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 749 #14 December 7, 2011 It's difficult to guess for me, but there really isn't much material out, IMO anyway. I'd certainly be tugging with both hands on a riser or two trying to change the attitude of the ball of shit. HARD. Note to self: check hook knives on rig and consider upgrading them. (no - probably would have been of no use on this jump - but still) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VideoFly 0 #15 December 7, 2011 Where was the S&TA, the DZO, or other experienced skydivers who should have said NO, you are not getting on the plane with a plan for a stunt like that in mind? The jumper is lucky to have survived, and with others on the jump, it could have been much worse. What has happened to JUST SAY NO? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sacex250 0 #16 December 7, 2011 QuoteWhere was the S&TA, the DZO, or other experienced skydivers who should have said NO, you are not getting on the plane with a plan for a stunt like that in mind? The jumper is lucky to have survived, and with others on the jump, it could have been much worse. What has happened to JUST SAY NO? What was the stunt? It seems like two jumpers were just flying together and the second jumper was too close entrail when the first jumper hit the brakes. Second jumper just "rear-ended" the first jumper. It looks like an accident; a preventable accident but a number of different factors coming together at once to create the outcome.It's all been said before, no sense repeating it here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pchapman 278 #17 December 7, 2011 Quote What was the stunt? It seems like two jumpers were just flying together I'll have to agree. We don't have any rules that say, "Any jumpers wishing to fly their canopies within 100' of each other must be signed off for CRW Flight Procedures, Signals, and Emergencies endorsements". It sounds like the guy in front was quite CRW experienced (and can be seen to have a CRW canopy) and presumably could have given a more detailed briefing. He must feel pretty shitty about having his friend end up paralyzed, but I can see that it would be quite normal not to have a detailed briefing. "I'm going to do the thing with the kite. Hang out and video me if you can but don't get too close." Ideally though, since he had the knowledge to help make the dive safer, it would have been good had he taught the others more. Avoiding sudden changes in his flight path, when flying with less experienced jumpers, would also be good. (Of course we are making assumptions about briefings; we don't actually know what was said.) Some sort of CRW briefing would be good for any proximity canopy flight. I'm surprised there isn't more comment about the SIM -- as far as I saw, there was nothing about emergency procedures if entangled in lines, even though canopy collisions is a topic. Edit: I now found something about 'following lines out' if entangled, before starting emergency procedures. That's in section 6-6 F 8 about CRW. At least that's something, but I still think it could be a lot clearer, and in the general canopy collisions section. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VideoFly 0 #18 December 7, 2011 Did I miss something about the kite flying? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #19 December 7, 2011 There was a small red kite towed by the canopy in front - about the size of a keyboard and shaped like a wwi bi-plane. It wasn't the cause of the accident though (save as for maybe the trailing guy wanting to get close to film it). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mircan 0 #20 December 7, 2011 Quote Would someone really be able to climb the suspension lines to try and untangle that? ... ...I mean sure, never give up, try and climb the lines by all means, but I don't reckon it could be done. Perhaps with a thicker line type it could be...? A buddy of mine who works as as military test jumper climbed the lines on his reserve when slider got stuck all the way up the lines He solved it of course (he is still with us and jumping) So it can be done. But you have to be tough (spec.ops tough)dudeist skydiver #42 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #21 December 7, 2011 Quote (P.107 of SIM 2012 seems to have the main instructions on what to do after a canopy collision. P. 132 & 133 cover CRW and provide a little more info. RSL's in section 5.3F, p112.) Usually the SIM is pretty detailed and concise in instructions, but I can't find anything that says that it can be dangerous to cutaway if still entangled in a canopy. Yikes. (Anyone else find better instructions in there?) The SIM seems a little muddled in its instructions about what to do in case of a collision. It's a messy topic, but still. Cat B C-8-c c. If in a canopy entanglement with another jumper below 1,000 feet and it appears the canopies cannot be separated in time for a safe landing, deploy the reserve (will result in a cutaway with the SOS system, so may not be an option). 5-3 F-c c. RSLs can complicate certain emergency procedures: (1) cutaway following a dual deployment (2) cutting away from an entanglement after a collision (3) unstable cutaway, although statistics show 6-6 F 1. Entanglements are the greatest hazards when building canopy formations. 2. Jumpers should know their altitude at all times, because altitude will often dictate the course of action. 3. If a collision is imminent: a. The jumpers should spread one arm and both legs as wide as possible to reduce the possibility of penetrating the suspension lines. b. The other hand is used to protect the reserve ripcord. 4. Jumpers should be specific in discussing their intentions. 5. If altitude allows, emergency procedures should proceed only after acknowledgment by other jumper(s). 6. In the event of multiple cutaways and if altitude allows, jumpers should stagger reserve openings to avoid possible canopy collisions. 7. Respond to the given situation. a. When entanglements occur, jumpers must be prepared to react quickly and creatively. b. In many cases, the emergency is one that can’t be prepared for in advance; it may even be a problem no one imagined could happen. 8. If the entanglement occurs with sufficient altitude, the jumpers should attempt to clear the entanglement by following lines out before initiating emergency procedures. 9. Jumpers should try to land together following a canopy relative work emergency. 5-1 H-3-c 3. If a collision is inevitable: a. Protect your face and operation handles. b. Tuck in your arms, legs and head Note the bolded discrepancy above 5-1 H-3-e e. Communicate before taking action: (1) The jumper above can strike the jumper below during a cutaway unless one or both are clear or ready to fend off. (2) The jumper below can worsen the situation for the jumper above by cutting away before he or she is ready. (3) If both jumpers are cutting away and altitude permits, the second jumper should wait until the first jumper clears the area below. (4) The first jumper should fly from underneath in a straight line after opening. (5) At some point below a safe cutaway altitude (1,000 feet), it may become necessary to deploy one or both reserves (may not be a safe option with an SOS system). (6) If both jumpers are suspended under one flying canopy at a low altitude, it may become necessary to land with only that canopy. (7) Communications may be difficult if one or both jumpers are wearing full-face helmets. I'm still wondering how/why the guys blue reserve is out unless that blue canopy is his main. If it was the main, I'm wondering why he did not cutaway.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #22 December 7, 2011 QuoteI'm still wondering how/why the guys blue reserve is out unless that blue canopy is his main. If it was the main, I'm wondering why he did not cutaway. See my post here: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=4235091;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #23 December 7, 2011 For simplicity: Wraps and entanglements Wrap is when the bottom jumpers canopy is wrapped around the upper jumpers body. Entanglement is when the bottom jumpers canopy is entangled in the upper jumpers lines. Wrap -Communicate intentions -Lower jumper cuts away first and deploys reserve and then flies out from under immediately. -Upper jumper removes canopy if possible and lands his good-flying main. Entanglement -Communicate intentions -Upper jumper disconnects RSL and cuts away first and deploys reserve after clearing lower jumper and then flies out from under immediately. -Lower jumper cuts and deploys reserve after upper guys is out of the way. Yes, everything is altitude dependent. What would have them do if it happens at a low altitude? Yes, "low" is subjective.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pchapman 278 #24 December 7, 2011 Hey Pops, I notice the latest SIM, 2012, has added more to the CRW section 6-6, so now it mentions getting big if the lines are Dacron, but small if the lines are made of other thinner material. The section on entanglements (not in CRW) sticks with getting small. So there have been some recent changes in wording. As for Wrap vs. Entanglement, I know how those are distinguished in CRW but I wonder whether the terms are applied that precisely all the time. The SIM in contrast just talks about entanglements in a more general sense, referring to all canopy collisions, and doesn't use the term wrap. It's not easy to figure out just what the SIM should say. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #25 December 7, 2011 Quote Hey Pops, I notice the latest SIM, 2012, has added more to the CRW section 6-6, so now it mentions getting big if the lines are Dacron, but small if the lines are made of other thinner material. The section on entanglements (not in CRW) sticks with getting small. So there have been some recent changes in wording. Yes. My SIM references was from the 2011 SIM. As far as "get big" vs "get small"....somebody needs to make up their mind. If I'm heading for a collision, I really don't think I'm going to be peeling eyeballs trying to distinguish dacron from spectra. Quote As for Wrap vs. Entanglement, I know how those are distinguished in CRW but I wonder whether the terms are applied that precisely all the time. IMO, they should be...across the board. Quote It's not easy to figure out just what the SIM should say. Hence the problem of so many people teaching so many different things. Just FYI...my post on "simplicity" was not directed at you. I posted it mainly for the youngsters. Some of the old-timers are going to have different opinions for what they would do and that's fine....as long as they don't confuse the youngsters with 15 different plans.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites