Hello all, I am the DZO at Skyranch in Siloam Springs. Rick was attending a JCC/ICC that we were hosting. At the completion of that he and Shayna manifested to make a jump. Her rig was in date, TSO'd and had the proper equipment for a student jump. Rick had the appropriate license to conduct the jump. Many mistakes were made that day, the first being me being unaware that Rick was not permitted to jump with her at their home dz. I also was not aware that they were dating. Had I known either of these facts, the jump would not have taken place. There were at least 3 other aff instructors available that day. Several people who were aware of the situation didn't take the time or the thought to make me aware of it. As mentioned before (as I have been flamed by quite a few jumpers) This was not my student, my equipment, my instructor or instructional program, and just for shits&grins, it damn sure isn't my baby. After in accident, the equipment was sent to FSDO in Little Rock and an incident report filed with FAA and USPA. The FAA reviewed video tape. The investigation was inconclusive and cleared the rigger of any wrongdoing in which I totally agree. Her main parachute had one toggle still stowed even after the cut-away. There was evidence of a tension knot at the cascades on her reserve which would have caused the slider up spin. Upon review of the video and taking statements from all who witnessed the jump it appears that no effort was made to correct the toggle situation on the main before cutaway. The reserve opened with a slider up spin but IMHO it could have been corrected by the jumper (at least to a point where the canopy was flying in either a slow turn or straight), again that is my opinion. It appears that no action was taken to correct the problem. Another mistake on my part was allowing the video to be given back to Rick. In the future, I will have on the assumption of risk agreement that any and all photos, video, etc. are the property of the dz should the dz request it. IMHO there were many mistakes made by myself, Rick and Shayna. Although they have made decisions that perhaps, you or I would not have made concerning the media, they are their decisions and our conjecture about them is exactly that. Shayna is a lovely young girl and dealing with her situation as best as she can. We can all be thankful but by the grace of God go I. Be thankful, review your procedures and learn from this. Wolf Grulkey, DZO Skydive Skyranch
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