precision 0 #1 April 5, 2006 Sean D. Tucker bailed out of his extreme performance Oracle Challenger today, when the biplane suffered mechanical failure. For many years he has flown aerobatics using sport parachute equipment provided by Precision Aerodynamics packed in a Rigging Innovations Aviator container, and also a Freeflight ram-air packed in a Paraphernalia Softie container. It was the Freeflight/Softie rig he used today. The story is at: http://tinyurl.com/kp9d9 George Galloway Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #2 April 5, 2006 QuoteDespite getting hung up temporarily on the tail, Sean freed himself and managed a controlled deployment and safe landing using a Para-Phernalia emergency parachute. How might this have happened? I don't know enough about how you bail out of distressed biplanes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ViperPilot 0 #3 April 5, 2006 He's a great pilot and a lot of fun to watch...glad he got out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #4 April 5, 2006 In addition to being the TOP air show pilot in the world, and the head of ICAS... Sean D. has some sport jumps under his belt... Glad to hear he's okay! Link to a video on the wreckage on the left of this page. http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=4726620 ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BDashe 0 #5 April 5, 2006 I used to be VERY into flying before i started jumping, he was one of my idols, so glad he is ok. must have been an intense few seconds!!!So there I was... Making friends and playing nice since 1983 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LearningTOfly 0 #6 April 5, 2006 Mostly a jettison/ slide back the canopy and roll out the side sort of thing- a lot of the details have to do with personal preferance. The hung up on the tail comment is interesting- I can't imagine that being a very pleasant feeling encounter. There may be a few details lost in the wording. This would mark Mr. Tucker's first *return* to the silkworm club... great to hear everything worked out without further incident. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #7 April 5, 2006 I knew Sean very well during my tour as a Golden Knight. Sean used to be a skydiver and CRW dog. Watching my Dad, about 70 at the time, hold one of the ribbon cutting poles as Sean flew through it inverted right in front of us - everyone else ducked, but Dad didn't even blink! I'm glad he had the altitude to safely bail out. Thanks for the link to the story.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #8 April 5, 2006 QuoteI knew Sean very well during my tour as a Golden Knight. Sean used to be a skydiver and CRW dog. Watching my Dad, about 70 at the time, hold one of the ribbon cutting poles as Sean flew through it inverted right in front of us - everyone else ducked, but Dad didn't even blink! I'm glad he had the altitude to safely bail out. Thanks for the link to the story. *** Jonn~ As I recall, Sean started jumping even before he started flying. I know he's even MADE a few jumps with the Knights!! I remember when he first got in the airshow business...he had a stock Pitts S1 and his only sponsor was Randolph Sunglasses. When everyone saw how good he is, the following season he got a Major sponsor in "1-800-Collect" When Wayne Hanley...Seans aerobatic & airshow instructor / mentor gave up airshows following HIS crash....Oracle went from him to Sean. Like you, I too know Sean very well... Seen him go from a guy working on his A.C.E. Ticket to the President of I.C.A.S. I called and spoke with Sean D. a couple years ago about the Demo Insurance issues we PRO jumpers were facing...just to see if he might have any ideas. He called me back 20 minutes later with the contact for the Insurance Company that the USPA now uses. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the thread title last night, but even before I opened it...I saw Sean's screen name going on my IM.....so I knew he was okay.I'm sure we'll find out more today, but from the details out so far....the guy handled a bad situation like the pro he his! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #9 April 5, 2006 Quotehe had a stock Pitts S1 and his only sponsor was Randolph Sunglasses. That's what he flew the first year or two I knew him. I still have a pair of Randolph aviator sunglasses. Get me his email address, will ya?Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #10 April 5, 2006 QuoteI still have a pair of Randolph aviator sunglasses. *** Yeah me too...they suck don't they! PM'd the Addy. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #11 April 5, 2006 so did he stand up the landing with a proper flare, or did he PLF. just curious. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrEaK_aCcIdEnT 0 #12 April 7, 2006 Quoteso did he stand up the landing with a proper flare, or did he PLF. just curious. QuoteOne thing we thought amusing , though, in addition to the disappointment of losing the airplane, Sean is apparently unhappy with the fact that he "didn't 'stick' the landing..." thats at the end of the article in the first link. Glad it was a happy ending. ExPeCt ThE uNeXpEcTeD! DoNt MiNd ThE tYpOs, Im LaZy On CoRrEcTiOnS! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
